Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 149: To ask the Minister for Defence if a decision has been made in regard to the replacement of the Air Corps Cessna fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3513/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The issue of the replacement of the Air Corps Cessna Fleet has been considered by my Department in consultation with the military authorities. The question of funding the replacement programme has to be considered in tandem with the overall equipment requirements of the Defence Forces generally and the funding available for this. The Cessna replacement programme is not a current priority and as such, there is no specific provision in this year's Defence Estimates for this project.

As the Deputy may be aware, a very significant level of investment in new equipment for the Air Corps has taken place in recent years.

The comprehensive investment programme included the delivery of eight Pilatus training aircraft at a total cost of €60m, the acquisition of two light utility EC 135 helicopters from Eurocopter S.A.S. at a cost of €12.8m, the acquisition of six utility AW 139 helicopters from AgustaWestland, Italy at a cost of €75m and a major mid life upgrade on the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft at a cost of €16.5m.