Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for Defence the age of all craft available to the Air Corps; the acquisitions which will be made to supplement the Air Corps fleet during the remainder of 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12334/05]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Defence the current and planned helicopter fleet in the Defence Forces; which elements of this are available for air ambulance service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12397/05]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 37 together.

There are a total of 33 aircraft in service with the Air Corps at present, comprising 14 helicopters and 19 fixed wing aircraft. The type and age of the aircraft is set out in the following tabular statement, which will be circulated in the Official Report.

In January 2005, two contracts were signed for the provision of new helicopters for the Air Corps at a cost of over €61 million. Four Utility helicopters are being acquired from Bell Agusta Aerospace Company at a cost of €48.4 million inclusive of VAT. Two will be delivered in 2006 and two in 2007.

Two light Utility helicopters are being acquired from Eurocopter SAS at a cost of €12.8 million inclusive of VAT. Both light Utility helicopters are due to be delivered later this year.

The eight recently acquired Pilatus PC-9M turbo propeller aircraft have replaced seven Marchetti aircraft in the pilot training role. These modern aircraft allow for the continued training of young cadets to the highest standards. These aircraft are capable of being armed giving the aircraft a limited defensive capability. Arrangements are being made within the Department for the disposal of the seven Marchetti aircraft by tender competition.

A detailed service level agreement is currently being finalised between the Department of Health and Children and the Department of Defence setting out the details of the specific capabilities which the Air Corps will provide in respect of air ambulance services.