more cuts .....IRELAND'S ability to take part in the new European Rapid Reaction Force has been weakened by a series of cutbacks in Government spending, including a plan to equip the Army with a fleet of new armoured vehicles.
In the latest budget cuts by the Department of Defence, because of the worsening financial situation, two major equipment programmes have been 'deferred' for several years, while others have been cancelled or reduced.
The deferment or cancellation include:
* Deferring a plan to buy up to 65 light-armoured vehicles at a cost of up to €20m
* Deferring a replacement programme for thousands of 40-year-old FN pistols - modern Sig P-226 weapons would have been bought at a cost of €630 each
* Cutting a second order for Mowag armoured personnel carriers from 40 to 25, saving €19m
* Cancelling a plan for five large helicopters for search-and-rescue and troop transport at a cost of up to €100m "due to budgetary constraints".
Defence Minister Michael Smith announced the investment programmes for light-armoured vehicles (LAVs) and pistol replacement in 2001 but yesterday the Department of Defence admitted they had been "deferred" for budgetary reasons.
A spokesman was unable to say when they would be purchased. Officially, the Department line is that no equipment has been promised to the Rapid Reaction Force which is planned to be operational this year, simply a commitment of a light infantry battalion of 750 soldiers and a 40-strong Ranger platoon.
from the sunday indo
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