asked the Minister for Defence if he has placed a contract for Timoney armoured carriers.

The question of placing a contract for armoured personnel carriers for the Defence Forces is being pursued actively.

I welcome the decision in this regard, but I noticed recently in one of the national newspapers a report to the effect that a contract is being placed for some of these Timoney armoured carriers. Are these of the same prototype as the carrier that was inspected last year at an army barracks by some members of this House?

Basically they would be the same but with certain modifications and improvements.

Can the Minister say if one of the modifications is for the erection of a turret on each of these carriers, because I understand that without a turret the carrier is useless?

The Deputy can take it that the turret will be provided on the vehicle.