Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 303: To ask the Minister for Defence if the naval service is adequately equipped and upgraded to meet any likely requirements such as participation in international operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9151/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Naval Service provides the maritime element of the Defence Forces and has a general responsibility to meet contingent and actual maritime defence requirements. The Naval Service operates eight general purpose patrol ships. All eight ships are involved in coastal and offshore patrolling and surveillance for the State in that part of the seas where State jurisdiction applies such as Internal Waters, Territorial Sea and the Irish Sector of the Exclusive Economic Zone.

The Naval Service provides a fishery protection service in accordance with the State's obligations as a member of the European Union. The Service is tasked with patrolling all Irish waters from the shoreline to the outer limits of the Exclusive Fishery Limits. At present, fishery protection activity accounts for roughly 90% of all Naval Service patrol time. However, as the need arises, Naval Service vessels may be deployed to other duties such as aid to the civil power, search and rescue, drug interdiction operations and assistance with pollution control. There are no plans for the participation of the Naval Service in international operations.

The Government is committed to continuous investment in the equipment needs of the Naval Service to enable it to carry out the roles assigned to it. A vessel replacement strategy for the Naval Service is currently under examination in my Department and I expect proposals will be submitted to me for decision in the coming weeks. The vessel replacement strategy, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment, ensures that the operational capability of the Naval Service is maintained at a very high level.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 304: To ask the Minister for Defence if upgrading of military equipment in the Army is ongoing or contemplated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9152/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces continues to be a key focus for me as Minister for Defence. Significant investment has taken place in recent years throughout all facets of the Defence Forces and I will continue the good work in that regard. From the Army's perspective the major investment has been in the contracts for Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers with the acquisition of 80 APCs at a cost of €120m inclusive of VAT — the last tranche of 15 vehicles will be delivered this year.

In recent years a particular focus of the investment in the Army has been on equipment for the individual soldier. In this regard the introduction of the DPM Uniform with the provision of a full outfit of matching clothing for the individual soldier was a significant milestone for the Defence Forces.

In addition significant work has been carried out in recent years on the acquisition of an Integrated Protection and Load Carrying System for individual soldiers. This system includes Body Armour, Helmets, Back Packs (Rucksacks) and Battle Vests. The position with regard to the acquisition of these items is as follows:

8000 units of body armour for the individual soldier on operational duties have been delivered. The new body armour provides significantly greater protection, comfort and coverage than the old model as well as a doubling of the range of sizes available. The total value of the order was in the region of €8m.

12,000 helmets have been delivered. The value of the order was circa. €2.5m.

12,000 rucksacks have been ordered at a total cost of €3m, delivery will take place in 2007.

To complete the modern integrated protection and load carrying system, one other competition is currently in train for the acquisition of 12,000 Battle Vests used for the carriage by the individual soldier of essential items such as ammunition, personal radio, water and ancillary equipment. An order will be placed later this year for these items.

The personal equipment which the individual soldier in the Defence Forces has at his/her disposal for operational use both at home and overseas is second to none and compares very favourably with the equipment in use by other Countries. I will continue the ongoing investment in equipment for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to ensure that the most modern and up to date equipment is available for Defence Force's personnel.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 308: To ask the Minister for Defence if further upgrading of military equipment including aircraft in the Air Corps is completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9156/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces continues to be a key focus for me as Minister for Defence and significant investment has taken place in recent years in this 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 reorganization 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, the Army, Air Corps, Naval Service and the Reserve have benefited from the investment in new equipment.

With particular regard to the Air Corps, a total of six utility AW 139 helicopters are being acquired from Agusta S.p.A. at a cost of €75m, inclusive of VAT. The six helicopters are being built at the Agusta facility near Milan, Italy. Two AW 139s were delivered in November 2006, two will be delivered in the first half of 2007 and the final two will be delivered in 2008. Other major acquisitions for the Air Corps in recent years were the two EC135 helicopters and the eight Pilatus fixed wing training aircraft. A major mid life upgrade on the two Casa maritime patrol aircraft will take place in the period 2007/2008.

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.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 309: To ask the Minister for Defence if all personnel in the Army, Navy and Air Corps have been issued with personal body armour or breathing apparatus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9157/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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In the latter part of 2006, 8000 units of body armour for the individual soldier on operational duties were delivered. The new body armour provides significantly greater protection, comfort and coverage than the old model as well as a doubling of the range of sizes available. The total value of the contract was in the region of €8m.

The body armour is currently in stores in the Curragh Camp and will be distributed throughout the Defence Forces as considered appropriate by the military authorities.

Respirators are issued to each individual soldier in the Defence Forces as part of their personal equipment.