Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 53: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the Estimate for his Department for 2009. [35871/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The gross total allocation for my Department in 2009 is €1,061m, comprising €852m in the Defence Estimate and €209m in the Army Pensions Estimate. When compared with the allocation for 2008, this represents a reduction of 4% in the Defence Estimate and an increase of 10% in the Army Pensions Estimate, giving an overall reduction of 1.6%.

The reduction in the Defence Estimate will be achieved by making savings across a number of subheads, both pay and non-pay. In common with other areas of the public sector, a payroll cut of 3% has been applied in the case of the civil service staff of my Department, the Defence Forces and civilians employed with the Defence Forces. This will entail restrictions on the filling of vacancies, including the temporary deferral of recruitment, throughout the Defence organisation.

A number of capital building projects will be deferred and some equipment replacement programmes are likely to be spread over a longer period. However, the allocation provided for 2009 will enable the Defence Forces to maintain their current level of operations at home and abroad, including the overseas peace support operations in Chad and Kosovo.

In the current economic situation, it is not possible to continue the same rate of expenditure on equipment and infrastructure as has taken place in recent years. However, I am satisfied that priority programmes of investment will be maintained.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 55: To ask the Minister for Defence the reason for the 44% decrease in regard to the allocation in the 2009 Estimate for expenses in respect of equipment and expenses in respect of the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35867/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The significant decrease referred to by the Deputy is due to the completion of two major projects for the Air Corps during 2008.

Firstly, a provision of €14 million was included in the 2008 estimates to complete the purchase of two additional AW 139 helicopters from AgustaWestland in Italy. This contract will be completed this month with the acceptance of the last helicopter and will result in the Air Corps having a total of six AW 139 helicopters.

Secondly, provision was made for the upgrade of the second CASA aircraft. In this regard a sum of €5.5 million was provided in 2008.

Due to the completion of both contracts, there was no requirement to include provision for either project in the 2009 estimates.

The decrease in the allocation for 2009 has to be seen against the very significant level of investment in new equipment for the Air Corps in recent years.

The comprehensive investment programme included: the delivery of eight Pilatus training aircraft at a total cost of €60m, inclusive of VAT; two light utility EC 135 helicopters acquired from Eurocopter S.A.S. at a cost of €12.8m, inclusive of VAT; six utility AW 139 helicopters acquired from AgustaWestland, Italy at a cost of €75m inclusive of VAT, the final one is scheduled for delivery this month; and a major mid life upgrade on the two Casa maritime patrol aircraft, at a cost of €16.5m.