Written answers

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

Department of Defence

Air Corps Equipment

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

25. To ask the Minister for Defence his plans to upgrade the range of aircraft available to the Defence Forces Air Corps. [52778/13]

Photo of Alan ShatterAlan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There are no plans for the acquisition of new aircraft for the Air Corps at the present time. There has been significant expenditure on the Air Corps fleet in recent years. The comprehensive investment programme included the delivery of Pilatus training aircraft at a total cost of €60m, the acquisition of two light utility EC 135 helicopters at a cost of €12.8m, the acquisition of six utility AW 139 helicopters at a cost of €75m and a major mid life upgrade on the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft. The provision for the Air Corps in 2013 mainly relates to the maintenance and Power by the Hour contracts set up to keep the Air Corps fleet fully operational with specific maintenance work being carried out on the CASA Maritime Patrol Aircraft over the next two years, mainly related to the overhaul of engines on the aircraft.

I am satisfied that the equipment, aircraft and technology available to the Air Corps are of a high standard and commensurate with the tasks assigned by Government.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.