Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The acquisition of new equipment and technology for the Defence Forces remains a focus for me as Minister for Defence and is a matter that is kept under constant review. The budgetary situation, in the context of the current economic situation, continues to dictate the level of funding available for defensive equipment including radar equipment and equipment upgrades for the Defence organisation.

The previous White Paper on Defence (2000) sets out the current defence policy framework. The role of the Air Corps as set out in that White Paper is to provide a range of military and non-military air services. The Air Corps is not currently tasked or equipped with radar equipment to monitor military aircraft overflying Irish controlled airspace.

The Deputy will be aware that work is continuing apace on the development of a new White Paper on Defence. A key part of the development of the new White Paper is consideration of the current security environment and challenges that may emerge into the future. This work will inform recommendations regarding defence provision.

Working groups comprising civil and military representatives from the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are considering likely future operational demands and the defence capabilities required to meet these demands. These deliberations will also cover any requirement to improve the radar capabilities of the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps.