Jack Wall
Question:219 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding his Department's acquisition of helicopters for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23123/01]
Vol. 541 No. 4
219 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding his Department's acquisition of helicopters for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23123/01]
The tender competition for the acquisition of medium lift helicopters for the Air Corps is progressing well. This major investment programme involves the acquisition of two medium lift helicopters, with an option of a third, for search and rescue purposes, as well as an option for two medium lift helicopters for general purpose military transport.
Tenders were invited on 5 March 2001 and the closing date was 19 April 2001. Four tenders were received. The four companies involved are Sikorsky from the USA, EH Industries Limited from England, Eurocopter from France and CHC
Scotia from Scotland.