Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 176: To ask the Minister for Defence the number and category of aircraft available to the air corps; the extent to which training, equipment and technology is comparable to that of other such forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16088/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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There are a total of 27 aircraft in operational service with the Air Corps at present, comprising 10 helicopters and 17 fixed wing aircraft. The types of the aircraft are set out in the following tabular statement, which will be circulated with the Official Report.

As the Deputy is aware, a very significant level of investment in new equipment for the Air Corps has taken place in recent years. The comprehensive investment programme included the delivery of the Pilatus training aircraft at a total cost of €60m, the acquisition of two light utility EC 135 helicopters from Eurocopter S.A.S. at a cost of €12.8m, the acquisition of six utility AW 139 helicopters from Agusta Westland, Italy at a cost of €75m and a major mid life upgrade on the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft at a cost of €16.5m.

On the issue of Air Corps training and technology, I am satisfied that Air Corps training techniques and the technologies involved are up to date in all respects. The Air Corps training plan is structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned to the Air Corps by Government and any comparison with other Air Forces is not relevant.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 177: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent, if any, to which military equipment including vehicles, vessels, planes, technology and or military hardware are upgrading or likely to be upgraded on an annual basis in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16089/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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There has been very significant investment in equipment for the Defence Forces in recent years covering the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces will remain 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 the acquisition of new military equipment and for upgrading and refurbishment programmes over the coming years. The budgetary situation will dictate the level of funding available for new equipment and upgrades in that period and decisions will be made accordingly.

Several important equipment purchases will be advanced this year including the acquisition of twenty-seven Light Tactical Armoured Vehicles, 3⁄4 Ton 4 x 4 vehicles and Heavy Recovery Vehicles for the Defence Forces. A decision on the Naval Service Ship replacement programme will also be taken in the near future.