Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The bottom line is this. Does the Minister of State have confidence in the current procurement process? The previous Minister of State with responsibility for the procurement process did not have confidence in it. In a joint letter, she and the Minister stated they trusted the Department to do the job and they could not have a hands-on overview of the next procurement process for the search and rescue helicopter service.

I point out to the Minister of State the British have secured 18 helicopters over 12 bases for €1.6 billion. Our tender appears to be €1.3 billion for five helicopters. That is approximately €250 million per base more than the British are paying. I am deeply concerned. The Secretary General refuses to come to this committee and answer legitimate questions, hiding behind a number of different veils. The most recent one, that he felt one member of this committee may be operating for a potential tendering company, is libellous.