James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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41. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence how he is implementing the recommendations of the Commission on Defence in relation to capital investment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22687/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces reinforced the requirement for significant capital investment in defensive equipment programmes and on upgrading and modernising Defence Forces built infrastructure. The approval of a move to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on the Defence Forces will result in the Defence budget rising from €1.1 billion to €1.5 billion, in 2022 prices, by 2028, the largest increase in Defence funding in the history of the State. This will allow for the required substantial transformation and investment in recruitment and equipment that were identified by the Commission.

In 2023 an overall capital allocation of €176m was approved by Government as part of Budget 2023. This is a 25% increase on 2022 and is the single biggest annual capital investment ever provided to Defence. It includes a substantial increase in the allocation to the Defence Forces built infrastructure programme with a total capital allocation of €45m. This demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern, agile military force, capable of responding to increasingly complex security threats.

Many of the military equipment projects are complex, multi-annual and have long lead-in times, so the additional funding now provided will further enable the Department and the Defence Forces to plan, prioritise and deliver on scheduled projects over the coming years. A significant number of building projects will advance under the Defence Forces built infrastructure programme, which will modernise and upgrade defence built infrastructure over the coming years.

Work has commenced on planning for military radar capabilities, including primary radar. This is one of the early actions identified in the High Level Action Plan published in response to last year's Commission report. Work carried out to date includes identification of requirements and research into various delivery options, as well as consideration of approaches internationally. This has included a visit to another Member State. Delivery of primary radar is extremely complex and will take some time to deliver. Delivery has however been prioritised by Government and this year’s increased capital allocation for Defence includes funding to explore the development of a primary radar capability.

Beyond the specific early actions identified in the High Level Action Plan, significant enhancements to the State’s defence infrastructure and equipment which were already underway continued over the last 12 months. In terms of Defence Equipment:

• 30 armoured utility vehicles were delivered in 2022.
• 220 non-armoured vehicles were delivered.
• 10 refurbished Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) were delivered in 2022 as part of the overall upgraded programme of the overall fleet.
• Mid-life refit of LÉ Róisín was completed and has commenced on the LÉ Niamh.
• 2 x Inshore Patrol Vessels were purchased for €26m, for delivery in 2023, as part of the mixed fleet development
• 2 x new Airbus C-295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft are near completion to be delivered in 2023.
• 1 X new Airbus C295W Fixed Wing Military Transport Aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2025.
• MOWAG Gunnery Simulator in the Curragh was officially opened in September 2022.

• Upgraded Spencer Jetty and refurbished Block 8 Accommodation at Haulbowline Naval Base,
• Block H Accommodation McKee; and
• 2 new gyms in Kilkenny and Limerick.
• Projects underway include a new Cadet School HQ and new accommodation buildings in Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa and Collins Barracks.
• Curragh Plains consultancy project progressed with the public consultation closed in November 2022