Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Chairman will remember that the committee visited the Air Corps at Baldonnel, but we also had a fascinating opportunity to look at the operation of the Garda helicopter and were made aware of what a substantial contribution those helicopters can play in combatting crime. It was an eye-opener. Is the Minister satisfied that there are enough helicopters to back up An Garda Síochána, particularly when one thinks about Operation Thor and targeting criminal gangs that are using the motorways to access rural communities in the Dublin commuter belt area. I imagine the deployment of these helicopters is an essential weapon for the Gardaí to target these gangs and bring them to justice. I know members of the committee were impressed with the professionalism of the corps and the team there, but we want to ensure they have everything they need in terms of helicopters. Is the Minister satisfied that what she has allocated is going to address that and maximise the potential?