Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

251. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the steps in hand or being taken to ensure the availability for service of all Air Corps equipment at all times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4192/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.

All Air Corps aircraft and equipment are maintained in accordance with the Air Corps’ maintenance regulations, the Air Regulation Manual Part E (ARM E). The ARM E ensures that all maintenance is carried out in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations, and in adherence to industry best standards. Maintenance schedules are planned in so far as possible with a view to maximising fleet availability.

The aircraft are made available in accordance with scheduled operations and non-scheduled operations. Service Level Agreements (SLA) stipulate the amount of hours dedicated to each area, as well as the required availability. Where SLAs are not applicable to an operation, Air Corps Headquarters directs the respective Units to have aircraft available, as necessary.

The Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020, completed through extensive joint civil-military work, provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects by means of a five-year rolling plan. The EDP builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade and has been developed to ensure that the Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.

A step change in military air-based capability is being achieved through the delivery into service of Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. While nominally a replacement for the Cessna, the new aircraft move capabilities considerably ahead of the previous level. The original order of three aircraft which were delivered in September 2020 was augmented on an urgent basis by an additional aircraft delivered in April 2020 to enhance fixed wing capacity to meet demands arising from Covid-19.

During the Covid-19 Pandemic, the strategic use of State aircraft ensured the continuity of operations, both domestically and overseas, which had been impacted by the worldwide restrictions on civilian air transport services. In 2020, the Air Corps utilised fixed wing assets to conduct over 125 military transport missions involving the movement of Defence Force personnel (incl. MEDEVAC), equipment and PPE to Defence Overseas missions with a further increase in Air Corps flights in 2021.

The White Paper also provides for the replacement of the CASA 235s with consideration to be given to their replacement with larger more capable aircraft. A contract for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft was entered into with Airbus Defence and Space in December 2019, with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023. The cost of the contract including ancillary support is €229m inclusive of VAT. In addition to the principal role of maritime surveillance, particularly fishery protection, the aircraft will also enable the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, search and rescue and a general utility role.

This significant investment in maritime patrol aircraft is an example which demonstrates my commitment to update and upgrade the Defence Forces equipment and capability, within the financial envelope available.

I am satisfied that the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps have the necessary modern and effective range of equipment available to them which is in line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.