Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 406: To ask the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that all training facilities and equipment available to and used by the Air Corps is in keeping with best modern international practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17651/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am satisfied that Air Corps training techniques and the technologies involved are up to date in all respects. The Air Corps training plan is structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned to the Air Corps by Government. On the issue of equipment, I am satisfied that the equipment and aircraft available to the Air Corps are of a high standard and maintained by the Air Corps in accordance with best practice. The main expenditure in the Air Corps in 2011 relates to the maintenance and Power by the Hours contracts set up to keep the fleet fully operational.