Darragh O'Brien (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 25: To ask the Minister for Defence the certification difficulties regarding the helicopters used by Irish troops in Chad; the implications for Irish troops and the mission; the steps being taken to resolve this issue; the measures he has taken to ascertain the way that this difficulty arose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34751/08]

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 50: To ask the Minister for Defence if the two Ukrainian crewed helicopters hired to support Irish troops serving with EURFOR in Chad are still available; if these helicopters are certified to carry passengers; the cost to date of hiring these aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35882/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 50 together.

I am advised that the Defence Forces signed a contract at the end of May 2008 with a UK company, Air Partner Commercial Jets, for the charter of two Ukrainian Mi -8T helicopters. Air Partner contracted the two Mi-8Ts helicopters from the Ayr Group UK, the owners of both helicopters. The helicopters operate on the civilian register under a company based in the Republic of Moldova called Pecotox — Air. Mi-8Ts are a standard helicopter and are familiar to the Defence Forces as they are used by the UN on many peace support operations in Africa and were the type of helicopter made available for the Defence Forces most recently when they were deployed on the UN mission in Liberia.

The two helicopters arrived in theatre on 28 June 2008. The Defence Forces contracted the helicopters for the operational deployment of troops and to facilitate the rapid movement of supplies, stores and equipment from the Forward Logistic Base in Abéché to the Battalion base in Goz Beida. Each helicopter has a lift capability of twenty-four personnel or four tonnes of cargo, with the ability to carry 3 tonnes under-slung.

The contract duration is scheduled for ten months, expiring in April 2009. The cost of hiring the helicopters to end September was €820,000. The full contract value will ultimately depend on the number of hours flown by the helicopters over the duration of the contract but is expected to be in the region of €3m.

The aircraft are based in Goz Beida, in South East of Chad, where the main body of Irish troops is located. The contract for the helicopters includes the provision of crew, maintenance and insurance, with the Defence Forces liable for the cost of the aviation fuel required for the operation of the helicopters. The flying and maintenance crew of the helicopters are Ukrainian.

In late September, a question arose in relation to the certification of the two helicopters for use with passengers. The issue that arose was a regulatory, licensing issue relating to civilian registered helicopters and did not reflect on the safety, technical or operational functions of the helicopters.

Pending the resolution of the matter, the transport of Defence Forces personnel on board the helicopters was restricted. The helicopters remain operational for the use of cargo and emergency evacuation purposes, as required, to support the operation in Chad.

I have requested a report from the Chief of Staff in the matter. In tandem with my request, the Secretary General of my Department has asked the Internal Audit Unit in the Department of Defence to carry out a full audit into the placing of the contract for the helicopters. The audit is under way at present and it is the intention to pass the findings of the audit to the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

I am taking a keen interest in this matter. The safety of our troops on overseas missions is paramount and the decision to suspend the carriage of military personnel on the helicopters is absolutely necessary.

The report from the Chief of Staff and the audit report from the Internal Audit Unit in the Department are a prerequisite in deciding the best course of action on the issue and any further action will have to await the completion of the reports.