Defence Forces ammunition stocks
The Minister said ammunition purchases are ongoing within available funding and that stocks are adequate for assigned roles, but declined to disclose how long they would last in an emergency for security reasons. Members disputed the rationale and called for the Army to receive adequate resources.
asked the Minister for Defence if the ammunition stocks are below that which would be regarded as adequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Comment on this
Within the limits of the financial resources made available each year in the Defence Vote there is a continuous programme for the purchase of various types of ammunition. Stocks of ammunition are adequate to enable the Defence Forces to maintain their capability to discharge the various roles assigned to them.
Comment on this
May I ask the Minister to indicate to the House in the event of an emergency and the Defence Forces being called upon to take a combatant role, how long the ammunition supplies would last?
Comment on this
That is an insult to the Army who are performing an excellent role for this country.