Niall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 126: To ask the Minister for Defence the main equipment purchases and deliveries of new equipment and vehicles scheduled over the coming six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1915/10]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, there has been very significant investment in equipment and infrastructure in the Defence Forces over the past ten 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.

Notwithstanding the current economic environment, several important equipment purchases will be advanced in the first six months of 2010 including the delivery of 17 Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles. A further 10 Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles will be delivered later this year. Other transport related acquisitions scheduled in the first half of 2010 include 22 Minibuses, 2 ambulances, 45 3⁄4 ton 4 x 4 patrol vehicles and 4 midi-coaches for troop transportation. In addition a contract was placed last year for the provision of 2 Heavy Recovery Vehicles for the Defence Forces, one for delivery in 2010 and the other in 2011. A contract is currently being awarded for the provision of 50 Roll Over Protection Systems for troop carrying vehicles and these systems will be installed in the first six months of 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.