Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 28: To ask the Minister for Defence if it is intended to proceed with the acquisition of new light tactical armoured vehicles for the Defence Forces; when these vehicles are expected to be acquired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35890/08]

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Defence if the new economic circumstances will prevent him entering the contract for the purchase of 27 light tactical armoured vehicles as planned; if a final purchase price has been agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35003/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 54 together.

A tender competition is well advanced for the acquisition of Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles for the Defence Forces. The intention is that the LTAV will complement the Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) in the conduct of conventional and Peace Support Operations and will fill a gap that exists between soft-skinned vehicles and the Mowags.

The acquisition of Light Tactical Vehicles is regarded as a priority by the Defence Forces given the nature of their roles on overseas Peace Support Missions, the threat from improvised explosive devices and the potential for hostile fire in certain threat environments. As Deputies will appreciate, force protection is a key issue in overseas peace support operations. Taking account of recent operational experience of overseas contingents, it is important that any potential gaps identified are addressed as a matter of urgency so as the State can discharge its duty of care to deployed troops.

The proposal is to acquire an initial twenty-seven vehicles (17 for overseas mission and 10 at home for training). The tender competition will allow for the option to acquire another twenty-seven vehicles over the next few years to meet its requirements depending on the threat faced by the Defence Forces in operational deployments. There is a sum of €6m in this year's Estimates provision as a down payment on an LTAV contract. The results of the tender competition will dictate the overall cost of the project.

Three vehicles have been selected to go forward to the trials stage of the tender competition. They are the RG 32M from BAE Systems, the LMV from Iveco Defence Vehicles and the Eagle 4 from Mowag. A standard vehicle from each company has now arrived in the Curragh Camp and the trials are in process. The trials will continue until November 2008.

It is my intention to have a contract for the acquisition of the LTAVs in place by the end of the year. As I mentioned already, the acquisition is seen as a top priority for the Defence Forces and the cost of the programme will be covered over a number of years taking into account the current economic conditions. The purchase of the vehicles is in line with the commitment given in the Programme for Government to continue investment in the most modern of equipment for Defence Forces personnel and the obligations of the State to provide appropriate support and force protection assets to deployed personnel.