Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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74. To ask the Minister for Defence his plans to expand the role of the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41149/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The White Paper on Defence sets out the defence policy framework and vision for the next ten years. In respect of the Air Corps, the principal aim over the lifetime of the White Paper will be to ensure that the Air Corps can continue to undertake the required military operations and to deliver a broad range of air supports to other Government Departments and agencies in line with Memoranda of Understanding and Service Level Agreements. These supports include:

- Provision of a general helicopter capability for a variety of tasks, including support to An Garda Síochána.

- Provision of a fixed wing maritime patrol service.

- Provision of a Ministerial air transport service.

- Provision of an emergency inter-hospital air ambulance service and an emergency aeromedical support service on the basis of agreed arrangements between my Department and the Department of Health and the HSE.

- Provision of aeronautical support to other Government Departments and Agencies, including the Irish Coast Guard.

In relation to the Air Corps’ military operations, the White Paper provides for periodic updates to consider progress made and any revisions required in the light of the security situation pertaining at that time. These matters are kept under constant review.