Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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583. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which modern sophisticated technology is available to the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps with particular reference to radar and GPS facilities and or other tracking devices; the availability of such technology in all vehicles, vessels and aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53195/17]

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 as set out on the White Paper on Defence. Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment planning process.

In this context 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 both at home and overseas. There is focus on the essential force protection provided by armoured vehicles, and in this regard a maintenance and upgrade programme has commenced for the current fleet of 80 Armoured Personnel Carriers which will seek to ensure viability of the fleet out to 2030. A small number of armoured logistical and utility vehicles have also been procured for force protection. Modern secure communications are essential for overseas missions and in that regard Defence Force personnel are suitably equipped with required communications and global positioning systems equipment. As stated in the White Paper, should additional funding beyond that required to maintain existing Air Corps’ capabilities become available, the development of a radar surveillance capability is a priority for the Air Corps.  Funding for this is not provided in the current resource envelope and any future decisions in this regard will be in the context of the ongoing security environment and any associated developments.

The White Paper also recognises the requirement to maintain and upgrade Naval Service vessels having regard to emerging operational requirements and changes in technology, including communications equipment and technology and this is an ongoing process.

I am satisfied that the current provisions, together with the courses of action in the White Paper, will continue to ensure that the Defence Forces is suitably equipped, in line with international best practice, to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.