Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Defence the degree to which upgrading of equipment has been identified or is required in the Army, Navy and Air Corps; the extent to which it is expected to meet such requirements in the short, medium and long term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25263/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces continue to be equipped with the most modern technology in terms of communications, body armour or other equipment with particular reference to the needs of those serving overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25265/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 116 together.

Investment in new equipment for the Defence Forces is provided for under various Subheads of the Defence Vote relating to defensive equipment, mechanical transport, aircraft, Naval Service ships and stores, communications and Information Technology equipment.

The provision for defensive equipment for 2011 allows, inter alia, for the acquisition of a range of equipment, e.g. Chemical Detection Equipment, Body Armour, Force Protection Equipment, Rifle enhancement, Communication Equipment etc. in order to maintain the Defence Forces capabilities. The provision also allows for the acquisition of a range of different ammunition types necessary to maintain stocks given the training and overseas requirement throughout the year.

A particular focus is maintained in ensuring that modern and effective equipment is available for overseas peace support operations. In this regard, the personal equipment, which the individual soldier in the Defence Forces has at his / her disposal in Lebanon is second to none and compares very favourably with the equipment in use by other countries.

One of the most significant allocations provided for this year, and which will be required in the coming years, relates to the Naval Service subhead which provides for the development and provision of two new Off Shore Patrol vessels, the first of which is to be delivered in 2014.

With regard to the Air Corps, the equipment and aircraft available are of a high standard and are maintained by the Air Corps in accordance with best practice. The main expenditure in the Air Corps in 2011 relates to the maintenance and Power by the Hours contracts set up to keep the fleet fully operational.

The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces is a matter that will be kept under continuous review. It is, however, imperative that the Department and the Defence Forces look to whatever efficiencies can be made taking into account the current difficult economic environment and the overall financial envelope available for the Department for the acquisition of new equipment and for upgrading and refurbishment programmes for equipment 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. The priority this year and in the coming years is on maintaining the capability of the Defence Forces to deliver effective services across all of the roles assigned by Government.