Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 15 and 35 together.

The procurement process for the acquisition of new helicopters for the Air Corps is progressing well. This major investment programme will involve the acquisition of six helicopters. It is proposed to purchase two light utility helicopters, primarily for Air Corps crew training purposes, and four larger utility helicopters to support the Army and for other ancillary uses such as air ambulance duties. It is also expected to agree an option to purchase a further two helicopters of the larger type. The new aircraft will replace the current fleet of Dauphin, Alouette and Gazelle helicopters.

The tender competition was advertised in the Official Journal of the European Communities on 29 May 2004 with the closing date for the receipt of tenders being Tuesday, 3 August 2004. Valid tenders were received from Eurocopter, Sikorsky and AgustaWestland and a comprehensive tender evaluation process is ongoing. A project team comprising officials from my Department and Air Corps and Army personnel is undertaking the evaluation that will, of necessity, take some time to complete. It is expected, however, that the Department will be in a position to place a contract before the end of the year. Deputies will appreciate that as the evaluation process is ongoing, I am not in a position to give any details of the costs of the helicopters.

The Air Corps, primarily in the military pilot and aircrew training roles will operate the two light utility helicopters. Primary tasks for the helicopters will include pilot training, instructor training and instrument flight training. The four larger utility helicopters will be operated by the Air Corps in general purpose military operational and training roles and will not be dedicated for use by any particular element of the Defence Forces. Primary tasks for the utility helicopters will include training and operations with special forces, security and aid to the civil power, military exercises, infantry interoperability training and limited troop transport.

The helicopters will have the capability of lifting some Defence Forces equipment such as artillery pieces but will not have the capability to lift heavy equipment. They will also be used to perform air ambulance, inland search and rescue, aid to the civil community and VIP transport tasks. The contract for the supply of the helicopters will be awarded on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender applying the following award criteria which are listed in order of priority: functional characteristics, operational suitability and technical merit; maintenance, technical support and after sales service; tender prices; life cycle costs over 20 years; training packages offered; warranties offered; and delivery period.

The procurement of modern light utility and utility helicopters will provide a significant boost to the Air Corps. In that regard, every effort will be made to ensure the process moves along as quickly as possible to ensure the new helicopters are available to the Air Corps at the earliest possible date.

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