Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 62: To ask the Minister for Defence the items of surplus equipment and other goods which have been disposed of in each of the past five years; the mechanism for disposal of different categories of army surplus; the income from the sale of army surplus in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23737/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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It is not generally the practice to sell defensive equipment. Such equipment is normally scrapped when it is considered to be defunct.

However, there are a number of categories of equipment that are disposed off. The main category relates to military vehicles. Military vehicles undergo regular maintenance and overhauls to ensure that they are roadworthy and provide value for money service. When, having regard to age, condition and mileage, vehicles are considered by military transport personnel to have reached the end of their economic life, they are proposed for disposal. Before the disposal action can be commenced, each vehicle requires examination and certification by a Military Board of Survey. A procedure has been adopted in recent years whereby all military vehicles are disposed of by public auction with due cognisance given to the age, condition and mileage of the vehicles and their suitability for sale in that manner.

Tender competitions are held with regard to the disposal of items such as empty Brass Cartridges and used tyres. The main prerogative here for the Department is that tenderers comply with all legislative requirements for the disposal of such goods following which the goods are sold to the highest bidder. In the case of tyres, the Department now pays for the disposal of such used tyres.

From time to time, a major asset (s), which has reached the end of its economic working life, is sold off by public tender. An example is the sale of the Naval Ship, LÉ Deirdre, which was sold for €270,000 with the assistance of an agent/auctioneer in June 2001.

The income from the sale of surplus equipment, including vehicles, over the past five years was €800,000 approx.

With the arrival of the eight new Pilatus aircraft and two EC 135 helicopters and the planned arrival of four AW 139 helicopters, two in November 2006 and two in 2007, the disposal of six Marchetti aircraft, four Dauphin helicopters and one Gazelle helicopter by tender competition is ongoing.

Tenders have been received for the Marchetti's and it is expected that a sales agreement will be made shortly. Additionally, tenders were received last week in respect of the disposal of four Dauphin and one Gazelle helicopter, associated spares, special tools etc. It is expected that the sale of the helicopters will be completed within the next three months.