Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 437: To ask the Minister for Defence if the Dauphin helicopters, sold in October 2006 for a total of €311,000, had been at the time of their original purpose supplied with digital instrumentation; if not, the reason for same; the steps subsequently taken in this regard and the consequences thereof in terms of weight carrying ability and otherwise; if the helicopters in question were ever fully operationally capable of all-weather, night-time and naval operations; if an enquiry was conducted in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40901/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The procurement of the Dauphin helicopters in the 1980's followed from competitive tendering competitions at that time based on specifications drawn up by the Air Corps. The Dauphin helicopters were fitted with a suite of digital instrumentation, having some analogue components, which was the most advanced cockpit fit available for any type of aircraft at the time.

The Dauphin helicopters were fully operational during their lifespan of 20 years in the Air Corps. They were deployed in the Search and Rescue (SAR) day/night role on the west, south and east coasts and, also, performed in the naval support and fisheries patrol role embarked upon the Naval Service vessel, L.E. Eithne.