Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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17. To ask the Minister for Defence if he is concerned over allegations that some Air Corps inspectors are not qualified to sign-off on repairs to a number of the force’s aircraft; if there are airworthiness issues arising from the allegations that are reported; if the whistleblower who raised the issue with the Minister has been penalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25107/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I would like to advise the Deputy that I have received a disclosure under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, and follow up correspondence, from an individual alleging that a number of Air Corps Aircraft Inspectors have authorisation to certify sheet metal repairs and modifications without the required qualifications or experience to do so. On foot of the information received I have directed that an independent investigation by an external competent expert be carried out into these matters. The terms of reference for the review are currently being drafted and nominees to carry out the review are currently being considered.

I have been assured by the military authorities that there are no airworthiness issues arising from the allegations.

I would also like to advise the Deputy that under the provisions of Section 20 of the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, members of the Defence Forces who feel they are being penalised for making a disclosure, can make a complaint directly to the Ombudsman for the Defence Forces. The Ombudsman will investigate the complaint and report to me with his findings and recommendations. I will then consider the Ombudsman’s report and issue a final determination on the matter.