Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The combined 2017 defence allocation of €922 million is comprised of €692 million on defence Vote 36 and €235 million on Army pensions Vote 35. This represents an increase of €10 million within the defence Vote and €6 million within the Army pension Vote in 2017. This increased allocation will allow the Defence Forces to deliver on their operational outputs, at home and overseas. The 2017 pay allocation of some €497 million allows for the pay and allowances of up to 9,500 Permanent Defence Force personnel, 550 civilian employees and 350 civil servants. Funding of over €2 million for the Reserve Defence Force is included in the allocation.

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The Permanent Defence Force has conducted a recruitment campaign targeting an intake of approximately 600 general service recruits in 2016. In addition, there have been 97 officer cadets in 2016, the highest cadet intake in the history of the State. Plans are also in place to continue with general service recruitment in 2017. I am committed to ongoing recruitment in the Defence Forces to reach the established strength figure of 9,500. We will recruit significantly more personnel this year and next year than in previous years, and I have ensured the Defence Forces vote has the necessary funding to do this.

A capital spending allocation of €74 million represents an increase of €7 million on the 2017 defence allocation contained in the 2016 to 2021 capital investment programme. This allocation will facilitate the investment necessary to ensure the Defence Forces have the equipment and infrastructure to deliver on all their roles as set out in the White Paper. Broad areas I identified for capital expenditure in 2017 include the acquisition of armoured logistical vehicles for overseas missions, the further development of the armoured personnel carrier fleet, the replacement of Air Corps aircraft and the replacement of naval vessels in the Naval Service flotilla. In 2017 we will also continue to invest in the Defence Forces built infrastructure, improving barracks throughout the country. Next week, we will commission the third ship in the naval vessel replacement programme. At a total cost of €199 million, these purchases represent excellent value for money and have strengthened Ireland's capabilities quite considerably. We will continue this investment and I confirm an additional ship of the same class as the previous purchases is due for delivery in 2018 at a cost of €67 million.

I recognise the work of the men and women of the Irish Defence Forces. As of 1 September, Ireland was contributing 498 personnel to 11 overseas missions. This includes continued commitment to search and rescue humanitarian efforts in the Mediterranean. The work of the Irish Naval Service is a great source of pride. Its efforts in rescuing more than 13,400 migrants represents the very best of our Defence Forces contribution to international peace and security efforts. Many lives have been saved as a result of their efforts. We should also be very proud and appreciative of the overseas peacekeeping efforts of all Defence Forces in various missions. I acknowledge the contribution of the Reserve Defence Force. It is powered by a strong volunteer base and its dedication to its support role to the Permanent Defence Force is greatly appreciated and I look forward to the continued development of the Reserve Defence Force.

The allocation also supports civil defence. I thank the 4,000 civil defence volunteers for their efforts in supporting front-line emergency services and the tremendous value they provide to every community in the State.

There will be a €6 million increase in the provision for the Army pensions vote for 2017. Approximately 12,200 pensioners will be paid by the Department from the Army pensions vote, and the increased allocation will help address the growing demands on this vote. The increased allocation for 2017 will ensure continued provision of the necessary resources to the Defence Forces to enable them undertake all roles assigned by the Government at home and overseas. It recognises and acknowledges the high levels of professionalism and ability evident in the Irish Defence Forces.

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