Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 9: To ask the Minister for Defence the details of the new tender competition to purchase four utility and two light helicopters to a value of at least €50 million; the level of interest from manufacturers; when he expects the competition to be complete; the total anticipated cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24186/04]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for Defence his Department's plans to buy six new helicopters for the Air Corps; the cost of the helicopters; the way in which the helicopters will be deployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24268/04]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 35: To ask the Minister for Defence his views on the safety of the helicopter fleet currently being used to transport Defence Forces vehicles and troops in view of the decision to purchase six new helicopters; when he expects the six new helicopters to be in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24187/04]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 15 and 35 together.

The procurement process for the acquisition of new helicopters for the Air Corps is progressing well. This major investment programme will involve the acquisition of six helicopters. It is proposed to purchase two light utility helicopters, primarily for Air Corps crew training purposes, and four larger utility helicopters to support the Army and for other ancillary uses such as air ambulance duties. It is also expected to agree an option to purchase a further two helicopters of the larger type. The new aircraft will replace the current fleet of Dauphin, Alouette and Gazelle helicopters.

The tender competition was advertised in the Official Journal of the European Communities on 29 May 2004 with the closing date for the receipt of tenders being Tuesday, 3 August 2004. Valid tenders were received from Eurocopter, Sikorsky and AgustaWestland and a comprehensive tender evaluation process is ongoing. A project team comprising officials from my Department and Air Corps and Army personnel is undertaking the evaluation that will, of necessity, take some time to complete. It is expected, however, that the Department will be in a position to place a contract before the end of the year. Deputies will appreciate that as the evaluation process is ongoing, I am not in a position to give any details of the costs of the helicopters.

The Air Corps, primarily in the military pilot and aircrew training roles will operate the two light utility helicopters. Primary tasks for the helicopters will include pilot training, instructor training and instrument flight training. The four larger utility helicopters will be operated by the Air Corps in general purpose military operational and training roles and will not be dedicated for use by any particular element of the Defence Forces. Primary tasks for the utility helicopters will include training and operations with special forces, security and aid to the civil power, military exercises, infantry interoperability training and limited troop transport.

The helicopters will have the capability of lifting some Defence Forces equipment such as artillery pieces but will not have the capability to lift heavy equipment. They will also be used to perform air ambulance, inland search and rescue, aid to the civil community and VIP transport tasks. The contract for the supply of the helicopters will be awarded on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender applying the following award criteria which are listed in order of priority: functional characteristics, operational suitability and technical merit; maintenance, technical support and after sales service; tender prices; life cycle costs over 20 years; training packages offered; warranties offered; and delivery period.

The procurement of modern light utility and utility helicopters will provide a significant boost to the Air Corps. In that regard, every effort will be made to ensure the process moves along as quickly as possible to ensure the new helicopters are available to the Air Corps at the earliest possible date.

Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Can the Minister guarantee the helicopters will be purchased and that events such as the debacle over the €100 million tender which occurred in 2002 will not recur? Is it not time this issue was dealt with once and for all? It would be timely if the Minister could guarantee the purchase of the helicopters and proceed with the programme.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Does the Minister accept the Department of Defence has created a mess in this area given it recommended Eurocopter in the first instance? I was struck by the use of the words "VIP transport tasks" in the Minister's reply. Will the military helicopters be used to transport Ministers around the country? Are Mercs to be replaced by helicopters?

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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I understand from the Minister's initial reply that Sikorsky has tendered for the supply of the six helicopters. If memory serves me correctly, a confrontation between Sikorsky and the Government two or three years ago resulted in the original order being cancelled. Has whatever disagreement that existed at that time been satisfactorily resolved? I understood threats were made at the time to go to the High Court in an effort to have matters sorted out. Will the helicopters have a military capacity? In other words, will they be armed?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Sherlock asked an important question. I guarantee the purchase will take place. The tender process is well under way. As far as I am aware, the 2002 proposal related to the purchase of medium lift helicopters. That proposal was dropped as a result of a demand for savings across various Departments. The Department of Defence made its decision in that regard in the interests of the economy.

On Deputy Gormley's question, I have no ambition to be transported by helicopter. I am scared stiff at the notion of having to travel by helicopter.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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The Minister may have to get used to it.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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There are many other VIPs besides Ministers in the country. As I understand it, helicopters will only be available to Ministers when absolutely necessary. They will not be used by Ministers as a general tool of transport.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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What VIPs does the Minister have in mind?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The term VIP covers a broad range of people such as the Chief of Staff and Army top brass. I do not know exactly to whom the term VIP refers but I will make inquiries for the Deputy.

Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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It does not apply in Limerick.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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There are very few VIPs in Limerick. On Deputy McGinley's point, I am not aware of the confrontation between the Government and company concerned as it happened well before my time. I am, however, aware that Sikorsky is one of the companies that has tendered for the supply of the six helicopters. The tenders are being evaluated by designated persons and it is intended that a contract will be placed before Christmas. The time of delivery will depend on various matters such as the order books and so on of the successful company.

It is intended each helicopter will be fitted with two 7.6 millimetre machine guns which will be removable. Given part of the function of such military aircraft will be to provide aid to the civil power, it may be necessary for them to be armed in certain circumstances. However, Members can rest assured the guns will be detached when the aircraft are performing search and rescue operations or air ambulance duties.