Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 317: To ask the Minister for Defence the number and category of aircraft available to the Air Corps; the extent to which training, equipment and technology is comparable to that available to other such forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30759/10]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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There are a total of 27 aircraft in operational service with the Air Corps at present, comprising 10 helicopters and 17 fixed wing aircraft. The types of the aircraft are set out in the attached tabular statement, which will be circulated with the Official Report.

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 the 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 Agusta Westland, 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.

On the issue of Air Corps training and technology, I am satisfied that Air Corps training techniques and the technologies involved are up to date in all respects.

The Air Corps training plan is structured to provide the capabilities needed to execute the roles assigned to the Air Corps by Government and any comparison with other Air Forces is not relevant. TYPE OF AIR CORPS AIRCRAFT IN OPERATIONAL SERVICE

Air Corps 10 helicopters and 17 fixed wing aircraft as follows: