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

I am sure the Deputy has read the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. It is there for the public to read. We have limited capabilities to monitor or intercept foreign aircraft in Irish skies. We are a military neutral country. Given our size and so on, we have limited capabilities. That is not a secret. It was well documented by the Commission on the Defence Forces.

The eight-strong Pilatus PC-9 fleet operated by the Air Corps offers limited air-to-air and air-to-ground intercept capability. There has been significant investment in air base capability in recent years, with the programme for the supply of two C295 maritime patrol aircraft well under way and the delivery of the aircraft expected very shortly. A contract was recently awarded at a cost of €68 million for the provision of a new C295W fixed-wing military transport aircraft for the Defence Forces. This is alongside the four PC-12 aircraft equipped for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance that were acquired in 2020.

This is the essence of our capabilities in a nutshell. We are progressing the radar issue, which is needed. It is complex, but we are determined to make a comprehensive provision.

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