Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 43: To ask the Minister for Defence the way his Department disposes of old, non military, Defence Force equipment; if there are procedures for making redundant vehicles such as vans and trucks available to charitable or community groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38052/06]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 of. 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.

Occasionally, 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, LE Deirdre, which was sold for €270,000 in June 2001. My Department is currently disposing of six Marchetti aircraft, four Dauphin helicopters and one Gazelle.

From time to time charitable organisations approach the Department requesting that an obsolete vehicle, such as an old ambulance or minibus, be donated to them. Such requests are considered on their own merit. Registered Charitable Organisations are assisted when possible, allowing for the fact they would not be in a financial position to purchase such a vehicle.