Defence: The Defence estimate has topped €1 billion for the first time and will enable the continuing purchase of major equipment and building and barracks improvement programmes.
Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea has secured €1,004,698,000, an increase of €43,891,000 or 4.6 per cent over last year.
The overall figure breaks down into two sections. On the defence side €821 million is provided and costs include pay and expenses of the Defence Forces, salaries, expenses and services of the office of the Minister for Defence, and payment of certain grants-in-aid.
The estimate for pensions is €184 million and includes funds for pensions and retired pay, gratuities, compensation, allowances, disability pensions and Army Pensions Board salaries and allowances.
The Minister said yesterday the funding meant major equipment purchases would continue and significant progress made on buildings and barracks improvement programmes.
The Minister highlighted areas where funding would go next year. In terms of equipment, another 15 armoured personnel carriers would be added to the fleet of 65 at a cost of €36 million. Four new utility AW 139 helicopters from aerospace company Agusta SpA would be operational in 2007 at a cost of almost €50 million.
The Air Corps' two Casa maritime patrol aircraft would be upgraded at a cost of nearly €17 million. In terms of barracks and buildings, €40 million would be spent next year on major building improvement works.