Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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145. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his Department would consider increasing the size of the 'bambi buckets', the collapsible bags that hang from a helicopter assisting with firefighting and so on (details supplied); if he will provide an update on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21261/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The current certified and max rated loading (capacity) for the Bambi buckets operated by the Air Corps at present is 1,225 litres.

The only underslung container of the size described in the Parliamentary Question (240 - 270 litres approximately) is one that is used by No. 3 Operations Wing of the Air Corps from time to time, for the transport of contaminated materials during underslung loads/ cargo operations.

There are currently no plans to replace the present system.

I trust this answers the Deputies query, however please revert should I be of any further assistance.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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146. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if he is aware of any personnel not discharged from the Defence Forces operating as private military contractors in Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21339/24]