Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 222: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the upgrading of military equipment continues in line with International trends; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38398/10]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 224: To ask the Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces continue to have access to familiarisation with technology upgrades currently available to other forces with particular reference to potential requirements on peacekeeping duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38400/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 222 and 224 together.

There has been very significant investment in equipment for the Defence Forces in recent years covering the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. The level of investment has ensured that Defence Forces personnel have the most modern and effective range of equipment and technology available, on a par with the best international practice and requirements, to carry our their day-to-day roles. A particular focus of the investment programme has been on upgrading equipment for overseas peace support operations. In this regard, it is a matter of fact that the Defence Forces contingents, which served in major overseas missions in recent years in Liberia, Kosovo and Chad were the best equipped and best prepared contingents ever sent overseas.

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 the 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. In addition, a contract has now been placed with Babcock Marine in the United Kingdom for the provision of two new ships for the Naval Service. The first new ship is scheduled for delivery in early 2014 and the second ship will follow one year later. The contract value is of the order of €100m.