Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 74 and 90 together.

For 2023, the total allocation for Vote 36 – defence is €893 million, which is an overall increase of €57 million on 2022, doubling the increase for defence from last year. As the Deputy said, the defence capital allocation has increased by €35 million, up to €176 million. In truth, we will spend more than €176 million on capital next year because we will have that €35 million increase and we will also have some unspent moneys in the area of pay which, in all likelihood, will be transferred into capital investment as well. For what it is worth, I expect we will be well above €180 million of capital investment next year. The figure of €176 million represents a 25% increase on 2022. Defence capital investment delivers a significant return in terms of the wider societal impact and reassurance it contributes to overarching national security frameworks.

Among the projects across land, sea and air platforms included in the EDP for progression for next year are the ongoing midlife upgrade of the Army's fleet of Mowag Piranha III armoured personnel carriers; the acquisition of body armour and helmets, along with a range of chemical biological, radiological and nuclear suits; the acquisition of software-defined radio; the development of a primary radar capability, which many people in the House have asked me about, and with which we are moving ahead next year; the continuation of the midlife extension programme works on LÉ Niamh; and the acquisition of two inshore patrol vessels from the New Zealand Government to replace LÉ Orla and LÉ Ciara. One of the attractive elements of these highly efficient and modern vessels is that they require much smaller crews of around 35 rather than 50. We also intend to acquire two Airbus C295 maritime patrol aircraft. There is investment in the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service and a big investment in primary radar capacity. That is the straight answer to the Deputy's question on prioritisation.

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