Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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413. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which military hardware is reviewed, examined and as necessary upgraded on an annual basis; the extent to which any requirements arising are being met annually throughout each branch of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29310/13]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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416. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which requirements in terms of electronic equipment remains available throughout the army, navy and air corps with particular reference to the need to ensure the availability of the most up to date technology in line with the requirement of such forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29313/13]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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417. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the most modern equipment continues to be available to all branches of the Defence Forces serving on missions overseas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29314/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 413, 416 and 417 together.

I am satisfied that the level of resources available to the Defence Forces, including equipment and up to date technology, enables the Defence Forces to carry out their roles both at home and overseas.

The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces remains a focus for me as Minister for Defence and is a matter that is kept under constant review. However, it is imperative that the Department and the Defence Forces, similar to all other Government Departments, must take into account the current difficult economic environment we are now operating in. The budgetary situation will continue to dictate the level of funding available for new equipment and upgrades. 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 e

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.