Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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3. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the amount spent in each of the past four years on the import and export of arms and weapons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35723/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The primary focus for the purchase of equipment by the Department of Defence is to maintain the capability of the Defence Forces so as to fulfil the roles as assigned by Government. Ireland's ongoing active participation in a range of overseas peacekeeping missions is a key policy requirement. In this regard, as part of the overall approach to investing in the maintenance and development of military equipment and platform capabilities, the purchase of weapons affords the greatest possible essential force protection to Irish troops whilst on such missions.

Subhead A8 Defence Forces Capability Development, of Vote 36 Defence, makes provision for the acquisition and upgrade of Defensive Equipment including Aircraft, Naval Vessels, Armoured

Vehicles and Ammunition. Expenditure under this Subhead in 2017 and the corresponding figures for earlier years are set out in the table.

The Department of Defence does not engage in the export of weapons.

I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have the necessary resources available to them including a modern and effective range of equipment which is in line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.