Tom Sheahan
Ceist:131 Deputy Tom Sheahan asked the Minister for Defence if he has concluded his investigation into the leasing of two helicopters. [42778/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 26 November 2008
Ceisteanna (77, 78, 79)
Liz McManus
Ceist:133 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Defence the outcome of the investigation ordered by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces into the circumstances in which two Russian crewed Ukrainian owned helicopters were leased for the transporting of Irish troops in Chad, when it subsequently emerged that the helicopters were not licensed to carry passengers; the amount paid out in respect of hire charges or other charges; the changes that have been made to hiring procedures as a result of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42766/08]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Darragh O'Brien
Ceist:216 Deputy Darragh O’Brien asked the Minister for Defence the procedures to be put in place both within his Department and in the Defence Forces to ensure that the certification difficulties with the helicopters used by Irish troops in Chad cannot recur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43172/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 131, 133 and 216 together.
The issue in relation to the certification of the two helicopters for use with passengers arose in September 2008 and was a regulatory, licensing issue relating to civilian registered helicopters. It did not reflect in any way on the safety, technical or operational functions of the helicopters, which continued to be used for cargo and emergency evacuation purposes as required to support the operation in Chad.
I have now received a report from the Chief of Staff which identifies a number of shortcomings in the process followed by the Defence Forces in placing this contract. I have accepted an apology from the Chief of Staff for what has happened. The Internal Audit Unit of the Department of Defence is in the process of carrying out a full audit into the placing of the contract for the helicopters and it is the intention to pass the findings of the audit to the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General. In the meantime, a programme of training for military personnel has been established to ensure that they are familiar with public procurement procedures.
In relation to the current situation, one of the helicopters was recently withdrawn from service following a minor incident in which the front undercarriage was damaged. The aircraft was not on a EUFOR mission when the incident occurred and no Irish personnel were on board. The military authorities subsequently engaged with Air Partner (UK), the main contracting authority, concerning the replacement of this helicopter.
Air Partner have now sourced a replacement MI 8T helicopter from a Ukrainian company. The company has a valid Air Operator Certificate for this aircraft, which includes the carriage of both cargo and passengers. All the certification documentation has been reviewed and, following consultation with the military authorities, my Department has now approved acceptance of this aircraft. It is expected that the aircraft will be in situ in the near future. This will allow for the carriage of Defence Force's personnel on the helicopter without restrictions. Any costs for the placement of the helicopter in theatre will be met by Air Partner.
The contract duration for the two helicopters is scheduled for ten months, expiring in April 2009. The cost of hiring the helicopters to end-October was €1.07m. The full contract value will ultimately depend on the number of hours flown by the helicopters over the duration of the contract but is expected to be in the region of €3m. As I already mentioned, the report from the Chief of Staff is under consideration. The audit report from the Internal Audit Unit in the Department will determine the best course of action on the issue and will recommend if any changes to the procedures for the hiring of aircraft by the Defence Forces are required.
Question No. 132 answered with Question No. 72.
Question No. 133 answered with Question No. 131.
Question No. 134 answered with Question No. 80.