Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

To deal with the Deputy's first two points, I accept there is a problem. Let me emphasise that there is no question about the safety of these helicopters. It is a question of the air operation certificate, which covers what these helicopters are supposed to do — there is a question as to whether they could carry personnel. The better view is that they cannot, and they are not allowed to carry personnel, only cargo. The primary reason for getting those helicopters into theatre, to supplement what we had already, was to move cargo around, particularly during the rainy season. It was feared that we might become isolated from our supply base during the rainy season. The military entered into that contract. I agree with Deputy Deenihan that something is not quite right. As a result, when it came to my attention, I issued a directive that no more personnel be carried on those helicopters, except in the event of an emergency evacuation, which they are licensed to look after.

I also asked the Chief of Staff to investigate and issue me with a report, which I should have by Friday. I have referred the matter to the internal audit section of my Department and I am awaiting a report from there. As regards Deputy Deenihan's final question on whether we now have sufficient air support, this is a matter to be dealt with in his report by the Chief of Staff. Having studied his report, we will see where we will go on that. The general view at present is that these things are mainly used for carrying cargo and equipment around and that we have sufficient cover.

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