Madam, - Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea asserts, in his very prompt response to my letter (Oct 25th), that I am reluctant to acknowledge the steps taken to modernise the Irish Defence Forces in recent years. Quite the opposite is the truth.
In my criticism of the low level of GDP spent on the Defence Forces in recent years is implied the proposition that far too little is being spent in modernising the armed forces after nigh 50 years of being ignored by successive governments.
I am pleased, of course, that Mr O'Dea accepts my percentage figures but in asserting that six new helicopters and 65 (so far) new APCs as well as the upgrade of infrastructural facilities make giant strides, he must be accepting that the modernisation of the Defence Forces started from a very low point.
To achieve that which is required much more needs to be done to produce the well equipped, trained and balanced armed forces which Ireland deserves.
A spend of 1.5 per cent of GDP would go a very long way, in Ireland's case, to achieving that.
Mr O'Dea cites the Chief of Staff in support of his proposition that interceptor aircraft are "nowhere near his top priority". In this I suspect that Mr O'Dea is being disingenuous.
It is not for the Chief of Staff to set the Defence budget, rather that is for the Cabinet of which Mr O'Dea is a member.
The Chief of Staff can only set his equipment priorities given the tasks and the spend envelope that he is given by Government. The recent history of all of this clearly indicates that Mr O'Dea is unwilling, or unable, to achieve the allocation of the very minimal 1.5 per cent of GDP in order to achieve what would provide (again by way of example) the most minimal air interceptor capability.
Clearly much more needs to be done and with greater speed to achieve the proper modernisation of the Irish Defence Forces; with the present funding level of 0.7 of 1 per cent of GDP this will not be achieved by 2010. - Yours, etc,
CHRISTOPHER DORMAN- O'GOWAN, Broad Chare, Newcastle upon Tyne.
