Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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143. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence his Department’s capital expenditure in 2021; the way this compared to profile as originally set out for the year; and the planned capital expenditure for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3623/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The level of capital funding allocated to my Department allows the Defence Organisation to undertake a programme of sustained equipment replacement and infrastructure development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service. It also demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the Defence Forces have the capabilities necessary to deliver on all their assigned roles, both at home and overseas.

The capital allocation for the Defence Vote 36 in 2021 was €131 million. The provisional end of year figures for 2021 indicate a capital expenditure outturn of €129 million. Although this expenditure is marginally behind profile, it should be noted that ongoing Brexit, Covid and other related supply chain issues were a constant challenge throughout 2021.

For the period to 2025, the National Development Plan has allocated multi-annual funding of €566 million to Defence, with an allocation of €141 million provided for 2022. Many of the Defence Equipment projects are complex, multi-annual and have long lead-in times, so the funding certainty now provided by the National Development Plan is particularly welcome, as it will enable the Defence Forces to plan, prioritise and deliver on scheduled projects over the coming years.

Among the major Defence Equipment upgrade and replacement programmes set to be prioritised over the coming years are:

- The Land Forces Capability Development and Force Protection Programmes, including an upgrade of the military transport fleet and next generation radio communications and signal equipment;

- The ongoing Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme, which includes the mid-life refit of the P50 Class of Naval Vessel and the progression of the Multi Role Vessel project;

- The ongoing Air Corps Aircraft Renewal and Replacement Programme which includes the purchase of the C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

A significant number of Defence infrastructural projects will also be advanced under the Defence Forces Built Infrastructure Programme, including the:

- Provision of a new Cadet School in DFTC, Curragh Co Kildare;

- Provision of a New Military Medical Facility for the Defence Forces at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co.Dublin;

- Upgrade to accommodation facilities in various military locations throughout the country such as Collins Barracks, Cork, McKee Barracks, Dublin and the Naval Base, Haulbowline.

This level of funding demonstrates the Government’s commitment to Defence and will boost ongoing efforts at modernising and upgrading Defence equipment platforms and built infrastructure.

The Deputy will be aware that the Government established an independent Commission on the Defence Forces in December 2020. The work of the Commission encompasses the consideration of appropriate military equipment capabilities, structures and staffing, and their report will inform decisions regarding the future development of the Defence Forces.

The Commission are finalising their work with a view to completing their Report as soon as possible. The Commission's Report, when submitted, will be fully considered at that point.