Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 241: To ask the Minister for Defence the amount of money being spent on riot gear in 2010, 2011 and 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22386/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The primary responsibility for the maintenance of law and order rests with the Garda Síochána. The Defence Forces, pursuant to their role of rendering aid to the civil power, assist the Gardaí as required in a range of duties. As part of this role, the Defence Forces maintains an anti-riot capability in order to meet a contingent and operational capability at home and overseas. It is essential therefore that all military personnel involved be appropriately equipped. In 2010 and 2011, expenditure on personal protective equipment was €132,500 and €474,935 (excl VAT) respectively. The equipment procured included personal protective equipment for use by the Defence Forces in public order and crowd and riot control operations at home and overseas. In relation to 2012, a tender competition for the acquisition of protective visors for the Defence Forces which can attach to in- service helmets, is in train. The cost of the visors will be determined by the tender competition.

The purchase of this equipment was planned as a replacement programme and is required to enable the Defence Forces train and carry out its roles at home and overseas to the highest possible international standards and best practice.