Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has a precise plan to ensure within reason self-sufficiency in terms of the military hardware available to contingents of Irish troops who are expected to be deployed overseas with particular reference to air cover and fire power, helicopters, fixed wing aircraft or other equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34597/07]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 169: To ask the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied that the extent of training and equipment available to Irish troops being deployed overseas is adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34599/07]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 170: To ask the Minister for Defence if it is intended to make specific changes in respect of the strength or level of equipment available to Irish troops to be deployed overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34600/07]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 175: To ask the Minister for Defence if all Irish troops serving overseas have a full complement of body armour, breathing apparatus or other personal safety equipment. [34605/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 167, 169, 170 and 175 together.

The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces has been and 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 net result is that Defence Forces personnel serving both at home and on overseas missions are equipped with the most modern and effective equipment, including body armour and breathing apparatus. This equipment enables troops to carry out the mission assigned, as well as providing the required protection specific to the mission. In the case of Liberia, for example, a wide range of equipment and force protection assets was deployed with the contingent. This equipment included Mowag APCs, armoured vehicles and support weapons, heavy machine guns and a mortar platoon.

On-going threat assessments are carried out in mission areas and a continuous review process on both personal equipment and force assets is in place to ensure that Defence Forces personnel are appropriately equipped to fulfil their roles in specific missions. Troops selected for overseas service undergo a rigorous programme of training designed to help them carry out their peacekeeping mission and to provide for their protection. Pre-deployment training is provided to members of the Permanent Defence Force and is updated in the light of any change in the threat assessment.