Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his positive response. I am conscious that in the coming years it is going to be particularly difficult for him to obtain the investment for necessary developments within the Defence Forces as he engages in combat at the Cabinet table. Even in good times, funding had to be obtained by means of the sale of barracks. As we move forward, it is going to be even more difficult to achieve the level of investment required. Mowag armoured personnel carriers, which are vital to members of the Defence Forces involved in peacekeeping operations abroad, cost €1 million per unit. I do not believe there has been any reduction in their price. We are going to face a challenge in meeting the very necessary cost of equipping the Defence Forces. Particular responsibility in that regard will rest on the Minister's shoulders in the context of fighting at the Cabinet table to obtain the level of investment that will be required. It must be remembered that there will be many competing demands on the money involved.

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