Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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241. To ask the Minister for Defence his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the replacement of aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6320/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The equipment priorities for the Air Corps will be considered in the context of the lifetime of the recently published White Paper. The White Paper recognises that there are several new and or enhanced platforms to be procured for the Air Corps.

This will include the replacement of the Cessna fleet with three larger aircraft suitably equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance tasks. The preparatory work for the tender competition has begun within the Defence organisation and it is expected that the competition will be initiated later this year.