Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 27: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will report on the €36.5 million contract he signed in December 2005 with Mowag for 15 additional Piranha armoured vehicles for the Defence Forces; the vehicles' specifications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7485/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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In December 2005, a contract was signed with Mowag GmbH of Switzerland for the supply of 15 additional Piranha armoured vehicles to the Defence Forces. The company has already provided 65 Piranha APCs to the Defence Forces in recent years. Under the contract, Mowag GmbH will supply 15 vehicles, nine of which will be fitted with a Kongsberg remote weapon station with a 12.7 mm machine gun, and six will be fitted with an Otomelara turret armed with a 30 mm cannon. The 15 vehicles will be used mainly in the surveillance and reconnaissance roles on overseas missions. The contract value is in the region of €36.5 million, including VAT. Deliveries will all take place in 2007. Payments under the contract will extend from December 2005 to January 2008. The signing of the contract is another significant boost for the Defence Forces and a further indicator of my commitment to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are fully equipped with modern equipment, which enhances their safety in carrying out their roles.