John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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338. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of occasions Ministers for Defence have visited Casement Aerodrome since 2020, in tabular form; and when he intends to visit Baldonnel Aerodrome. [41816/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Since my appointment on 23 January 2025 as Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, I have taken the opportunity to visit a number of Defence Forces installations and I have signalled my intent to formally visit Casement Aerodrome in the coming weeks.

The number of occasions previous Ministers for Defence have formally visited Casement Aerodrome since 2020, as requested by the Deputy, are set out in tabular form below:

Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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339. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason the invitation for the Air Corps to participate in the RAF Cosford Airshow in the UK was rejected; who took the decision to reject the invitation; his views on whether proper protocol was followed regarding the decision to reject the invitation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41872/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Each year, the Air Corps receives a number of invitations and requests to participate at Airshows at home and abroad. Participation at Airshows is a worthwhile endeavour, with many relationships forged and knowledge shared at such events. At all times, any request for Air Corps participation in overseas exhibitions are subject to domestic operational commitments being met.

Given the significant challenges being experienced in relation to Air Traffic Control at Casement Aerodrome at the time of this particular air show, and the focus of the Air Corps necessarily being on essential operations, I am advised that attendance at an Air Show in the UK could not be approved by my officials and this position was accepted by the military authorities.

Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein)
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340. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of female qualified pilots within the Air Corps; and the number of females currently in training to become qualified pilots within the Air Corps, in tabular form. [41889/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the table below indicates, the military authorities have advised that there is presently one qualified female pilot within the Air Corps. They have further advised that there are six females currently in training to become qualified military pilots.

The Government remains committed to a policy of equal opportunity for men and women throughout the Defence Forces and to the full participation by women in all aspects of Defence Forces activities.