Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 May 2014
166. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which military hardware, including communications technology, continues to be updated throughout the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20812/14]
View answerI am satisfied that the level of resources available to the Defence Forces, including equipment and modern communications technology, enables the Defence Forces to carry out their roles effectively both at home and overseas. The acquisition of new equipment for the Defence Forces remains a focus for the Department of Defence and is a matter that is kept under constant review. However, it is imperative that the Department and the Defence Forces, similar to all other Government Departments, must take into account the current difficult economic environment we are now operating in.
The budgetary situation will continue to dictate the level of funding available for new equipment and upgrades. Decisions will be made accordingly on a strictly prioritised basis with a view to maintaining the capability of all roles assigned by Government to the Defence Forces. A particular focus is maintained in ensuring that modern and effective equipment, including communications equipment, is available for overseas peace support operations. In this regard, the personal equipment, which the individual soldier has at his/her disposal in Lebanon and on other overseas missions is second to none and compares very favourably with the equipment in use by other countries.
