Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 389: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which the technology and equipment for the air corps has been upgraded in line with modern military requirements with a view to benefiting to the maximum possible extent from service overseas with the EU and UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25250/09]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is 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. The White Paper on Defence published in February 2000 outlined, "the Government have decided that the State will not seek to commit Air Corps equipment resources to an overseas operation. In a situation where there are many demands on resources it would not be reasonable to participate beyond the domestic context".