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

Question 37: To ask the Minister for Defence the way the €30 million reduction in Defence spending announced in the 2009 budget will be achieved; the instances in which plans to acquire new equipment during 2009 will not proceed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24692/09]

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

As the Deputy is aware, there has been very significant investment in equipment and infrastructure in the Defence Forces over the past twelve years. The acquisition of new and replacement equipment for the Defence Forces remains a key focus for me as Minister for Defence. It is, however, imperative that my Department and the Defence Forces look to whatever efficiencies we can make, taking into account the current difficult economic environment and the overall financial envelope available for the Department for military equipment over the coming years.

We have been able to identify the areas from which a reduction in the order of €30m can be achieved:

The reduced costs of the Chad mission consequent on its changeover to a UN mission from March 2009 – approximately €10 million.

A deferment of certain building and refurbishment projects for the remainder of 2009 – saving approximately €6million on new building and €3million on refurbishment. In that regard, it should be noted that over €400 million has been spent on upgrading barracks, buildings and infrastructure across the Defence Forces since 1997.

Reduced fuel and utility costs – approx €2 million. It is hoped that these savings can be achieved through price reductions and energy efficiency;

The balance will be achieved by the implementation of economies across the entire Defence organisation, i.e. savings on pay and allowances and recruitment advertising etc.

Several important equipment purchases will be advanced in 2009 and 2010 including the acquisition of Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles, 3⁄4 Ton 4 x 4 vehicles and two Heavy Recovery Vehicles for the Defence Forces. The Naval Service Vessel replacement programme will also be advanced this year.

The extensive equipment investment programme implemented over the past 10 years has positioned the Defence Forces well to deal with the reductions which have had to be made in defence expenditure given the resources now available. Whilst no major equipment programmes have been cancelled altogether, careful planning and monitoring of all funding will continue to ensure that any possible impact on operations is mitigated and that the procurement of essential replacement equipment is prioritised.