Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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82. To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the Defence Forces continue to be upgraded, in terms of military equipment, transport including aircraft, sea-going vessels and road and land vehicles; if such equipment remains in line with best practice internationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41161/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The acquisition of new equipment and equipment upgrades for the Defence Forces remains a focus for me as Minister for Defence, and I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have a modern and effective range of equipment, which is in line with best international standards, as required to fulfil all roles that are assigned to them by Government. Going forward, the equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and the Naval Service will be considered in the context of the lifetime of the recently published White Paper. The White Paper recognises that there are several new and or enhanced platforms to be procured.

In the context of the Air Corps fleet, this includes the replacement of the Cessna fleet with three larger aircraft suitably equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance tasks. In addition it is intended that the two CASA 235s Maritime Patrol Aircraft will also be replaced. The current EC 135 and AW 139 helicopter fleet in the Air Corps will continue to deliver the required Defence Forces support and other support capabilities over the lifetime of the White Paper. The existing Pilatus PC9 training aircraft are not due for replacement until 2025.

The current Naval Service ship replacement programme will have replaced three Naval Service vessels when completed by July 2016. The White Paper recognises that a minimum eight ship flotilla will be required.

The Army will continue to retain all-arms conventional military capabilities, and the principal aim over the period of the White Paper will be to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas. There will be a focus on the essential force protection provided by armoured vehicles and the most cost effective option of upgrading or replacing the current fleet will be identified. A small number of armoured logistical vehicles will be procured for force protection overseas.

I am satisfied that the current provisions, together with the courses of action in the White Paper, will ensure that the Defence Forces are fully equipped to meet the roles placed on them.