Madam, - The comments made by the deputy general secretary of Pdforra, Simon Devereux, are accurate and pertinent regarding the expenditure by this Government on the defence forces and their modernisation (The Irish Times, October 6th). Ireland spends only 0.7 per cent of its GDP on its armed forces whereas the Nato average is nearer to 2.5 per cent.
It is simply not good enough for Mr Willie O'Dea to preach that all is well with the modernisation programme so that it will be concluded by 2010. The Defence Forces Annual Report for the years 2001 and 2002 identified the need for an air intercept capability, but what has been done in the meantime? Absolutely nothing. I use this simply by way of example. No steps have been taken to replace the very outdated armour in the Cavalry Corps and at least three ships are due for replacement in the Naval Service.
An allocation by Government of 1.5 per cent of GDP to the defence budget is a figure which does not hamper the economy. If the present Government is serious about modernising the Defence Forces and providing structures and equipment suitable for a modern western European state at least 1.5 per cent of GDP is the minimum acceptable level of expenditure.
Ireland has allocated this level of spending in years gone by and going back to this low figure could bring about a dramatic transformation in the major equipment and training of the Defence Forces within a very short time, particularly considering Ireland's international commitments and its impending participation in the EU battle groups. - Yours, etc,
CHRISTOPHER DORMAN-O'GOWAN, Quayside, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England.