Cathal Berry (Kildare South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As the Tánaiste knows, I always recognise progress when I see it. I recall that some months ago he signed a €68 million contract for a new military transport aircraft, which is being built in Spain as we speak. It was initially expected to be delivered to Baldonnel in 12 months, which was positive enough. I assume that is still on schedule. Does the Tánaiste have an update on it?

It looks as though an escalation is likely to happen, and we should make maximum use of the available time between now and everything kicking off. I am reassured to hear that at least some contingency planning is taking place. In the medium term, it is good that we will have that military transport aircraft, the Airbus C-295, in 12 months but we need to work on some kind of more formal interim arrangement in order that we will not be caught unprepared if something kicks off.

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