asked the Minister for Defence whether the majority of small arms in service with the PDF are worn out and in need of replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

31. D'fhiafraigh

den Aire Cosanta an léireoidh sé an cás i láthair na huaire faoi airm nua a sholáthar do na Fórsaí Costanta.

87.

asked the Minister for Defence the reason for the delay in providing a replacement weapon for the 7.62 m.m. calibre small arms; when this will be done; and the approximate cost of replacement.

Tá sé ar intinn agam Ceist Uimhir 14, Ceist Uimhir 31, agus Ceist Uimhir 87, a thógaint le chéile. Fé réir an méid airgid a leagtar amach gach bhliain ins an Vóta Cosanta in aghaidh trealamh cosanta, tá clár leanúnach ar mo Roinn-se chun airm nua-aimseartha a sholáthar do na Fórsaí Cosanta. Cuirtear feabhas ar threalamh áirithe, más riachtanach, chun go mbeidh ar chumas na bhFórsaí Cosanta a ndualgaisí a chomhlíonadh.

Small arms weapons used by the Permanent Defence Force are maintained and repaired to prescribed standards in order to ensure that they are available in fully serviceable condition. Consideration is being given at present to the replacement of the 7.62 mm rifle. A process of evaluation of alternative weapons has been in progress and will continue into 1987 in order to establish fully which one would be the most suitable. It is not possible to indicate at this stage when arrangements will be completed for the purchase of whichever weapon may be selected. It is not the practice of my Department to disclose details regarding the cost of equipment.

Ceist amháin——

The Deputy is being most unfair to his colleagues. There are five questions down and the Deputy has used ten minutes for two of them.

Ceist amháin.

Are you being fair to other Deputies?

32. D'fhiafraigh