Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Defence the major equipment purchases planned for 2007 and 2008; the financial provisions made for these purchases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8637/07]

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 and I will continue the good work in that regard.

With regard to major equipment purchases, this year will see the delivery of two more AW139 helicopters for the Air Corps, the initiation of the mid-life upgrade on the first of the two Casa maritime patrol aircraft and the delivery of 15 Mowag armoured personnel carriers for the Army.

The final two AW139 helicopters are scheduled for delivery in 2008 and the mid-life upgrade on the second of the Casas will be carried out in 2008. The payments for these major contracts are spread over a three to four year period for budgetary reasons. The total cost of these projects inclusive of VAT is in the region of €125m.

A vessel replacement strategy for the Naval Service is currently under examination in my Department. Subject to my consideration of the proposals, I expect that the programme will begin with the tender process in the first half of this year with the expectation of placing a contract for the first of three ships in early 2008.