Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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571. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if any persons who are currently undergoing military training to become qualified military pilots are sent to the United States of America as part of their training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33795/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The military authorities have advised that six student pilots have recently returned from the United States of America, where they underwent Phase II of their Military Pilot Wings Course.

This training was organised under a contract with the United States Air Force. I understand that Irish Air Corps pilots regularly complete training abroad with foreign militaries. This helps to keep Irish Air Corps pilots in line with the best international standards of flying disciplines, while also creating an opportunity to share, and collaborate with other flying units on various training disciplines. This, in turn, bolsters a good safety culture and learning environment.