Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Again, I am uncomfortable dealing with procurement issues generally on the floor of the House. Procurement processes should be independent of the House.

I take the Deputy's more general point on the State investing more in its own capacity in air rescue, the Coast Guard, our Defence Forces and the Air Corps. Some progress is being made in terms of recruitment to the Air Corps. I would be happy to see a greater investment. The commission that will be established shortly to examine the future of our Defence Forces will take that issue under its wings.

See this speech in context