Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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19. To ask the Minister for Defence if he is satisfied regarding the ongoing upgrading of military equipment throughout the Army, Navy and Air Corps at all installations throughout the country; the extent to which a programme is in place to cater for such requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5574/14]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am satisfied that the level of equipment currently available to the Defence Forces enables them to carry out their roles, both at home and overseas. The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces is a matter that is kept under constant review at a senior level in my Department and in the Defence Forces, through their joint participation in the High Level Planning and Procurement Group. This Group is charged with identifying equipment requirements and agreeing on a procurement programme to provide the Defence Forces with type and quantities of equipment necessary to carry out their assigned duties.

However, the fact remains that in the current economic climate the budgetary situation will continue to dictate the level of funding available for new equipment, training and equipment upgrades. Decisions will be made accordingly on a strictly prioritised basis in accordance with operational priorities with a view to maintaining the capability of all roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces.

In my visit to UNIFIL last year I had the opportunity to see at first hand the range of modern equipment available to Irish Troops in Lebanon. This included Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers and a range of Force Protection and personal equipment which allows the Defence Forces carry out their various taskings in a safe and secure manner.

On the issue of standards in training, the Defence Forces maintains a robust and comprehensive training system which incorporates a wide variety of modern training methods. Training standards in the Defence Forces are constantly benchmarked against best international practice. Similarly the Naval Service’s training techniques and technologies are up to date in all respects. The provision of two new offshore Patrol Vessels is well advanced with the first ship due for delivery in the coming months and the second ship scheduled for delivery in early 2015. These modern new vessels, combined with a continuous process of refurbishment and repair on the other vessels in the fleet, will ensure the Naval Service continues to meet the required operational capability.

The Air Corps also keep abreast of all developments in modern aviation. It will continue to conduct its training in accordance with industry best practices and to the highest standards, referencing European Aviation Safety Agency and Federal Aviation Administration requirements.

I can assure the Deputy that I am satisfied that the Defence Forces are adequately equipped and trained to meet the many demands and tasks Government has assigned to them.