Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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60. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which military equipment, including vehicles, aircraft and sea-going vessels, continue to be upgraded and updated in line with best international practice and in anticipation of Brexit, which is likely to involve greater responsibilities for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40068/18]

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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73. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his plans for the purchase of military equipment including a multi-role vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39909/18]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 60 and 73 together.

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 to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.

The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces remains a clear focus for me. Future equipment priorities are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment planning priorities planning process.

The mid life upgrade programme for the Army’s fleet of eighty MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carriers will extend the utility of the fleet and provide greater levels of protection, mobility and firepower. Additionally, twenty four 4 x 4 Armoured Utility Vehicles were acquired in 2017, and this year we are taking delivery of ten new armoured logistic vehicles. These measures will provide essential force protection overseas. There are currently no plans for the purchase of a Multi-Role Vehicle.

The Government is currently investing in updating the Air Corps fleet of aircraft with the replacement of the existing five Cessna aircraft with three larger and more capable fixed wing utility Pilatus PC 12 aircraft which are being equipped for ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance). These aircraft will be delivered in 2019 and 2020. Planning is also in progress to replace the CASA Maritime Patrol aircraft and a tender competition is currently underway in this regard.

The ongoing Naval Service ship replacement programme is evidence of the Government's commitment to investment in the Naval Service. Three new Offshore Patrol Vessels have been delivered since 2014 and a fourth is due to be delivered later this year. In addition, planning is underway for the replacement of the current Naval Service flagship LÉ Eithne with a multi role vessel.

The examples given, 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 allocated bringing 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.

As I have previously outlined to the House, the UK decision to exit from the EU does not of itself give rise to greater responsibilities for the Defence Forces. Prudent planning in relation to all security situations that may require a Defence Forces response is part of the day-to-day operations of the Defence Forces and, as such, is addressed within existing resources.

Should a situation arise beyond the contingent requirement for Defence Forces deployment already provided for in the Defence Vote, this would be addressed in the normal course within the budgetary discussions on defence funding.

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