asked the Minister for Defence the number of Ray Rider RBS70 surface to air missiles purchased by the Defence Forces; the cost of each complete with stand, sighting optics and launch container; if he is aware that according to World Missile Forecast publication that this missile would have limited operational value during inclement weather and that its guidance system is of limited utility, especially within Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

In the interests of security it is not the practice to supply information or comment of the kind sought by the Deputy.

I find the Minister's reply extraordinary. Is he aware that arising from a submission from Senator Brendan Ryan to the Committee on Public Expenditure, that the magazine, World Missile Forecast, indicated that the Ray Rider RBS70 is unsuitable for a country like Ireland because of the inclement weather we experience, can he indicate whether he considers this to be the case and assuming that the information is available anyway in military magazines, can he indicate the cost of the missiles that have been bought?

All I can add to the answer given already is that the missile weapon in question is the most suitable type for the purposes of the Defence Forces.

Is the Minister dismissing the view of a reputable publication that the missile is not suitable for countries in north-west Europe? Is he implying that this view has no validity?

That is an opinion. I have not seen the article in question and I am not prepared to comment on it.

Could I ask the Minister——

The Deputy's contribution is more appropriate to the Department of Defence Estimate.

I am seeking information.

The Deputy is putting forward an argument with which he wants the Minister to agree and that is not appropriate to questions.

The Minister has not yet expressed an opinion on this subject other than to hide behind a ruling that it is not in the interests of the security of the Defence Forces. Could the Minister tell us how much this missile cost the State as that would not be a breach of security?

In the order of £400,000.

Is that the total cost? Is it for stands, optics and so forth, or is it the cost of the missile itself?

It was a cost of that order which was paid in 1979 for the purchase of the RBS70 equipment. I have not the details as to what that encompassed but no doubt it encompassed all the equipment.