Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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883. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if staff from either his Department or the Defence Forces have been seconded to the EU military planning and conduct capability structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39418/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The EU's Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) was established on 08 June 2017 with the aim of enabling the EU to react in a faster, more efficient and effective manner as a security provider outside its borders. The MPCC is responsible for the operational planning and conduct of the EU’s non-executive military missions. It comprises personnel deployed by EU member States to support the overall planning function of the EU Military Staff in respect of CSDP Operations. Ireland is currently engaged in a range of CSDP operations and having members of the Defence Forces deployed within the MPCC is an essential element in supporting those operations and maintaining situational awareness.

Ireland currently has one (1) officer seconded to the EU Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) until 07 Aug 2022. While there are no plans at present to deploy additional officers to the MPCC, such matters are kept under review on an ongoing basis.

The Department of Defence does not have any civil servants on secondment to the MPCC.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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884. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the position regarding Defence Forces vehicles that are considered no longer fit for purpose; if they can be sold at auction and funds raised allocated to the Defence Forces or if the vehicles can be donated to health organisations, charities and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39818/21]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Mobility is a key component in the ability of the Defence Forces to maintain a flexible and agile response regarding such tasks and operations it undertakes. In order to maintain the requisite military mobility in the operational, logistical and training spheres it is my priority to ensure that the various vehicle platforms which comprise the overall transport fleet are maintained and replaced in accordance with the Equipment Development Planning process.

To that end currently fifty four of the armoured Mowag personnel carriers have been upgraded as part of an ongoing mid-life refit, the fleet of ¾ tonne 4x4 utility vehicles has recently been replaced and 120 new 4x4 troop carrying vehicles are being rolled out to the units concerned. In addition, electric vehicles are being purchased to reduce the carbon footprint of the organisation.

I am advised by the military authorities that the introduction of replacement vehicles invariably precipitates disposal of the replaced vehicles whereby Defence Forces vehicles are considered no longer fit for purpose when either of the following criteria are met:

a. When they reach the end of their notional life, or

b. If they are deemed to be beyond economic repair.

All Defence Forces vehicles are assigned a notional life. Vehicles are depreciated on a sliding scale starting from their purchase price to a residual value at the end of their notional life. Where a vehicle is required to be repaired, an assessment is made of the cost of repairs (parts and labour) against the notional value of the vehicle. This determines if a vehicle will be put forward for disposal by the military authorities.

Ordinarily, for security reasons vehicles will be disposed of through a certified end of life treatment facility. Monies generated through this process are recognised by the Exchequer as Appropriations in Aid, and not reassigned specifically to the Department of Defence Vote 36. In addition, the disposal of a limited number of vehicles can take place through donation, on request to the Minister for Defence by interested bodies. In such cases a memorandum of donation for a vehicle would be required and administered through the Department of Defence.