Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 350: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which regular reviews take place of the need for modernising and upgrading equipment including aircraft and or training in the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39489/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 351: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which regular reviews take place of the need for modernising and upgrading equipment including sea-going vessels and or training in the Naval Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39490/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 352: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which regular reviews take place of the need for modernising and upgrading equipment and or training in the Army; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39491/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 350 to 352, inclusive, together.

In the current economic situation, the acquisition of defensive equipment and training takes place on a strictly prioritised basis to ensure that the Defence Forces can carry out their roles at home and overseas. A particular focus is maintained on ensuring that modern and effective equipment is available for overseas peace support operations as is the case with the UNIFIL deployment in Lebanon.

Investment in new equipment and upgrading of existing 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 for the acquisition of a restricted range of priority equipment such as Chemical Detection Equipment, Body Armour, Force Protection Equipment, Rifle enhancement and Communication Equipment in order to maintain the Defence Forces capabilities. The 2011 provision also allows for the acquisition of ammunition needed to maintain stocks given the training and overseas requirements throughout the year.

The priority in the coming years will be on maintaining the capability of the Defence Forces to deliver effective services across all of the roles assigned by Government.

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 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 Hour contracts set up to keep the fleet fully operational.

Training is at the core of all things military. I am satisfied with the ongoing actions to keep military training techniques up to date in all respects and that Defence Forces training plans are structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned by Government.