Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 302: To ask the Minister for Defence the extent to which aircraft and ancillary equipment for the Air Corps maintains pace with international standards; if any particular improvements are required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12247/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am satisfied that the equipment and aircraft available to the Air Corps are of a high standard and maintained in accordance with best practice. The main expenditure in the Air Corps in 2011 relates to the maintenance and Power by the Hours contracts set up to keep the fleet operational.

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.