Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am satisfied the level of resources available to the Defence Forces, including training resources and equipment, enables them to carry out their roles, both at home and overseas. The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces remains a focus for me. It is a matter that is kept under constant review at a senior level in my Department and in the Defence Forces through their joint participation in the high level planning and procurement group. This group is charged with identifying equipment requirements and agreeing on a procurement programme to provide the Defence Forces with type and quantities of equipment necessary to carry out their assigned duties.

In the current economic climate, the budgetary situation will continue to dictate the level of funding available for new equipment, training and equipment upgrades. Decisions will be made, accordingly, on a strictly prioritised basis in accordance with operational priorities with a view to maintaining the capability of all roles assigned by the Government to the Defence Forces.

In my recent visit to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, I had the opportunity to see at first hand the range of modern equipment available to Irish troops in Lebanon. This included MOWAG armoured personnel carriers and a range of force protection and personal equipment which allows the Defence Forces carry out their various taskings in a safe and secure manner.

On the issue of training, the Defence Forces maintain a robust and comprehensive training system which incorporates a wide variety of modern training methods. Training standards in the Defence Forces are constantly benchmarked against best international practice. Similarly, the Naval Service’s training techniques and technologies are up to date in all respects. The provision of two new offshore patrol vessels is well advanced with the first ship due for delivery in early 2014. These modern new vessels, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair on the other vessels in the fleet, will ensure the Naval Service continues to meet the required operational capability.

The Air Corps also keeps abreast of all developments in modern aviation. It will continue to conduct its training in accordance with industry best practices and to the highest standards, referencing European Aviation Safety Agency and Federal Aviation Administration requirements.

I chair the Government's task force on emergency planning, which includes senior officials of several Departments, senior officers of An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces and officials of other key public authorities which have a lead or support role in Government emergency planning. The task force, which meets on a regular basis, examines current risks and supports co-ordination arrangements for emergency planning across Government. The Defence Forces will continue to play an integral part in the emergency planning process.

I am satisfied the Defence Forces are adequately equipped and trained to meet the many demands and tasks the Government has assigned to them.

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