Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 388: To ask the Minister for Defence his plans to increase the strength of the Air Corps; his further plans to upgrade or replace equipment including air craft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25249/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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There are no plans to increase the strength of the Air Corps. The saving measures on public service numbers, introduced on 27 March 2009 are being implemented in the Permanent Defence Forces.

I am in contact with my colleague, the Minister for Finance about the implications of the measures for the Permanent Defence Force. My focus is on the ongoing operational capability of the Defence Forces. My officials and the military authorities are keeping the situation under close review on an ongoing basis.

There is no provision in this year's Air Corps subhead for the purchase of aircraft. However this has to be seen in the context of the very significant investment in new equipment for the Air Corps in recent years, including:

The delivery of eight Pilatus training aircraft at a total cost of €60m, inclusive of VAT.

Two light utility EC 135 helicopters acquired from Eurocopter S.A.S. at a cost of €12.8m, inclusive of VAT.

Six utility AW 139 helicopters acquired from AgustaWestland, Italy at a cost of €75m inclusive of VAT.

A major mid life upgrade on the two Casa maritime patrol aircraft, at a cost of €16.5m.

This comprehensive investment programme cost over €160m, far exceeding any previous level of expenditure on such equipment for the Air Corps. The funding allocated to the Air Corps for 2009 is sufficient for day-to-day operations and will not affect its operational capability.