Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 159: To ask the Minister for Defence if all of the equipment issued to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps is in keeping with the highest international standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26121/05]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 161: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that all the equipment currently issued to the Defence Forces is in keeping with the most modern requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26123/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 159 and 161 together.

The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces continues to be a key focus for me as Minister for Defence. I am aware that significant investment has taken place in recent years and I will continue the good work in that regard.

The unprecedented level of expenditure on equipment for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service was made possible by the Government's decision that pay savings arising from the reorganisation of the Defence Forces set out in the White Paper of 2000, along with proceeds from the sale of surplus properties, would be reallocated for investment in modern facilities and equipment.

Investment in new equipment for the Defence Forces is provided for under various subheads of the Defence Vote relating to defensive equipment, mechanical transport, aircraft, ships and naval stores, engineering, communications and information technology equipment, etc. All elements of the Defence Forces, Army, Air Corps, Naval Service and the Reserve have benefited from the investment in new equipment.

The equipment issued to the Defence Forces is in keeping with the most modern requirements and the highest international standards. The ongoing investment in the Defence Forces will ensure that this remains to be the case.