Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 48, 59, 79 and 82 together.

As part of a whole-of-government approach, my Department is engaged in forward planning with the other Departments involved in addressing all issues relevant to the United Kingdom decision to exit the European Union.

Recruitment to the Defence Forces is at an historically high level. By the end of October, 702 personnel had been inducted into the forces in 2017. Investment in new equipment in respect of land, air and maritime capabilities is being pursued. A maintenance and upgrade programme has been entered into for 80 armoured personnel carrier, APC, vehicles at a cost of €55 million, exclusive of VAT, and contracts for a small number of armoured logistic and utility vehicles for force protection have been entered into this year at a cost of €11 million, exclusive of VAT. A tender competition is ongoing to replace the Cessna aircraft with three fixed-wing utility aircraft. The ship replacement programme has seen three new ships enter service since 2014 and a contract for a fourth ship due to enter service in 2018 has been placed, at a total cost of more than €250 million.

The UK's decision to leave the EU does not of itself give rise to additional Border control requirements at this time and, therefore, there is no reason to revisit earlier decisions on the closure of barracks. Those closures enhanced the operational readiness and deployability of Defence Forces personnel and, along with other measures, involved the redeployment of personnel from barracks, headquarters and administrative posts into front-line operational units. The recent progress on the first phase of Brexit negotiations gives encouragement regarding the resolution of Border issues.

Primary responsibility for the internal security of the State rests with the Minister for Justice and Equality and An Garda Síochána. Responsibility for the security aspect of Border control rests with An Garda Síochána, while the Revenue Commissioners have responsibilities relating to their particular mandate. As the Deputy noted, among the roles assigned to the Defence Forces in the White Paper on Defence is the provision of aid to the civil power, which, in practice, means to provide assistance and support to An Garda Síochána when requested to do so. The Defence Forces also provide support to the Revenue Commissioners.

I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the resources available to them to fulfil all roles assigned by Government as set out in the White Paper.

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