Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

121. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which military training and equipment continues to be updated in line with international requirements with particular reference to members of the Defence Forces serving overseas on EU deployments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35063/14]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am satisfied that the level of resources available to the Defence Forces, including training resources and equipment enables them to carry out their roles, both at home and overseas. The main overseas missions in which Defence Forces personnel are currently deployed are the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria. The recent incidents involving Irish troops in UNDOF are testament to the type of the equipment available to the Defence Forces in that mission area. 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 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.

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.

On the issue of training, the Defence Forces maintain 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 and significant training time is allocated against military service overseas.

In conclusion, 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 including service overseas.