Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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581. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which he remains satisfied that equipment, aircraft, and ancillary requirements are upgraded and updated on a regular basis thereby ensuring full capability and reliability to undertake tasks that may become necessary in an emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53193/17]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.

Within the Naval Service, examples of this include the acquisition of new ships under the ship replacement programme. Three ships have been delivered since 2014 and a fourth is due to be delivered by 2018.

The Government is currently investing in updating the Air Corps fleet of aircraft with the replacement of the existing five Cessna aircraft with larger and more capable fixed wing utility aircraft suitably equipped for ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance). Planning is also in progress to replace the CASA Maritime Patrol aircraft.

The Army’s fleet of MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carriers mid-life upgrade will extend the utility of the fleet and provide greater levels of protection, mobility and firepower. Additionally, updated 4x4 Armoured Utility Vehicle are being acquired and it is planned to take delivery in 2018 of new armoured logistic vehicles. These measures will also enhance force protection overseas.

The examples given above, whilst not exhaustive, demonstrate my commitment to update and upgrade the Defence Forces equipment and capability, within the financial envelope available. As part of budgetary negotiations for 2017, additional capital funding was allocatedbringing the capital envelope up to €416m over the 2018-2021 timeframe. This will allow for significant investment in equipment and infrastructure over the coming years.

The primary function of training and education in the Defence Forces is to develop and maintain the military capabilities necessary to fulfil the roles laid down by Government and to respond too future threats to the State’s security.

The scheduling of training in the Defence Forces is underpinned by an analysis of training needed to meet operational output requirements and capability development needs. A long term strategy has been adopted with current planning horizons out to 2021.

In relation to Personnel, up to the end of October 2017 there have been 702 personnel inducted into the Defence Forces. This is an increase from the 416 inducted in 2015 and 690 in 2016. In 2016 more people were brought into the Defence Forces than left (690 in; 655 out). This reversed a long term trend of more people leaving than entering the Defence Forces. This has been possible because this Government significantly increased recruitment and it is expected that new entrants will again exceed exits in 2017.

I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary resources available to them, including a modern and effective range of equipment which is line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government. This includes the provision of relevant assistance in response to emergency situations that may arise.