Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 618: To ask the Minister for Defence if the training and equipment available to Irish troops expected to serve overseas is in keeping with the best international standards and practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6783/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, significant investment has been made in Defence Forces equipment in recent years to provide them with the most modern equipment to undertake tasks assigned to them by Government. The equipment issued to the Defence Forces is in keeping with the most modern requirements and the highest international standards. Ongoing investment in the Defence Forces will ensure that this remains to be the case and will continue to be a key focus for me as Minister for Defence.

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 the EU mission to Chad and the Central African Republic, the Defence Forces will deploy a full range of Force Protection assets. This equipment will include Mowag APCs, armoured vehicles, Close Reconnaissance Vehicles and indirect fire capabilities.

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. Prior to deployment on missions, training packages, including realistic Mission Readiness Exercises, are conducted and validated to ensure that units are thoroughly prepared.