Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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21. To ask the Minister for Defence his plans to expand the operational roles of the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6795/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The White Paper on Defence (2000) sets out the current defence policy framework. The role of the Air Corps as set out in the White Paper is to provide a range of military and non-military services in support of the State. These supports include maintenance of a general helicopter capability for a variety of tasks, including support to An Garda Síochána, as well as provision of a maritime patrol service, a ministerial air transport service, an air ambulance service on the basis of agreed arrangements with the Department of Health, and the provision of assistance to the principal response agencies, including the Irish Coast Guard, in relation to civil emergencies.

The preparation of a new White Paper on Defence is one of my key priorities. The White Paper process, which is ongoing, is intended to provide an opportunity to examine critically future demands and consider how to best meet associated operational requirements across the Defence Forces.

Working groups comprising civil and military representatives from the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are considering likely future operational demands. The question of the future operational roles of the Air Corps is being considered in this context. You will appreciate that I do not wish to second guess any recommendations that may arise from the White Paper process by commenting on specific issues at this point. The final draft of the White Paper will be fully considered by Government in due course.