Sir, - The announcement that the amount to be spent on re-equipping the Army (The Irish Times, November 12th) is to be increased is a welcome sign of a positive reaction to the Price Waterhouse reports on the Defence Forces. For too long virtually no money has been spent on the heavier equipment needed, bringing about a situation where, for example, the wheeled armoured vehicles are all over 25 years old and the lack of modern artillery is a serious deficiency in the structures of the new brigade organisation.
In addition, the recent report on the Air Corps and the Naval Service emphasises that unless sums are spent quickly much of the equipment of those two services will rapidly cease to function. The recommendations of Price Waterhouse are the very minimum required to keep those two services fit for their present role. What is made clear is that there is not a "do nothing" option and that the purchase of new equipment must start immediately.
This Government must act now in this regard. It has to take the responsibility, too long ignored by Irish Governments, of providing adequate funding for the equipping and training of the armed forces maintained by the State.
The courage and fighting quality of the Irish soldier is renowned throughout the world. It is to be hoped that this Government will not let him down. - Yours, etc., Christopher Dorman-O'Gowan,
Broad Chare, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England.