Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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32. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the flights flown by the Air Corps Pilatus PC-12 in May and June 2024; and the downtime or maintenance periods, if any, arising from such flights or otherwise. [30051/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Air Corps operate a fleet of four (4) Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, which entered service in 2020. Their primary function is Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), they also function in air ambulance and transport roles as required.

I am advised by the military authorities that the Air Corps operate a maintenance plan which endeavours to ensure that the maximum number of operational flying hours is available from the current aircraft fleet when most needed. The maintenance of the Air Corps fleet falls into three broad categories: scheduled, unscheduled and routine/daily.

At any given point in time, some aircraft in the fleet will be subject to repair and maintenance.  All Air Corps aircraft and equipment are maintained in accordance with the Air Corps' maintenance regulations, the Air Regulation Manual Part E (ARM E). 

As the Deputy will appreciate, for security and operational reasons it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the specific details of flights flown in May and June 2024.