Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 535: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which military training and upgrading of equipment continues to be updated and renewed in line with modern requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24984/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that military training techniques are up to date in all respects. Defence Forces training plans are specifically structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned to them by Government. The challenges of preparing military units for participation in international peace support operations constitute the major dimension of Defence Forces collective training. The primary focus of this training is the attainment of a capability for military interoperability in order to conduct peace support operations to international standards. Training standards in the Defence Forces are constantly benchmarked against best international practice and Defence Forces personnel have full access to the best international training standards available. The current economic situation will continue to dictate the level of funding available for new equipment and for upgrading and refurbishment programmes over the coming years. Decisions will be made accordingly on a strictly prioritised basis with a view to maintaining the capability of all roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces.

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 has at his/her disposal in Lebanon and on other overseas missions is second to none and compares very favourably with the equipment in use by other countries.