Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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260. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Defence Forces general service body armour (GSBA) that is currently in service throughout the Defence Forces, including in overseas missions, was first issued to members in 2006; if, given that these systems degrade overtime, and trials to replace the current system began in 2017, the current GSBA worn by troops overseas is safe; and when deliveries of the new proposed modular body armour system will be delivered to all serving troops domestically and on overseas missions. [25929/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The safety of our Defence Forces personnel is a key priority for me as Minister for Defence, as is ensuring that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government both at home and overseas.

The rolling Equipment Development Plan for the Defence Forces encompasses a programme of sustained equipment procurement/acquisition across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Strategic Framework and the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, building on the work done under the White Paper on Defence. This is part of the ambitious programme of work to move to Level of Ambition 2 ( LOA2) by 2028, and will ensure that the Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment required to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.

In December 2024, following a competitive tender process for the replacement of existing Defence Forces general service body armour, the Department of Defence awarded a €16.5m contract to Seyntex NV of Belgium for the supply of over 6,000 modular body armour systems, with an option to supply more systems if required. This modular body armour known as IMBAS was designed in-house by the Defence Forces Ordnance Corps and has been subject to rigorous field trials. Delivery is due to commence in late 2025, and by mid 2026 all personnel will be equipped with a state of the art, effective and user-friendly body armour system. The deputy may also wish to note that this new body armour system will be complemented by the procurement of a new combat clothing system and combat helmet.

I am advised by military authorities that equipment including body armour is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains fit for purpose and that standards are maintained, with worn or unserviceable components replaced as required.