Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the context of the incident to which the Deputy referred, I express my condolences and the condolences of all Members of the House to the relatives of those whose lives were lost during that tragic accident.

The Air Corps operate a fleet of eight helicopters, two light utility EC 135 helicopters used in the main for pilot training and six utility AW 139 helicopters used for general purpose military operational and training. In addition, the Air Corps provides pilots to fly the two EC 135 helicopters operated for an Garda Síochána-related activities. All helicopters in our fleet, including those used by the Garda air support unit, are fitted with flight recorders and this has been the case since they were originally acquired. The provision of such recording equipment in our helicopters is a standard requirement of our Defence Forces.

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