asked the Minister for Defence whether, in view of the usefulness of helicopters generally and especially in view of their importance for rescue and relief work, he will consider purchasing at least one such aircraft for the Defence Forces.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchase of Helicopter.
The question of the use of helicopters by the Defence Forces has been fully considered. It is not at present proposed to purchase such aircraft.
Will the Minister consider selling one of the jet planes?
I will send it down to the Deputy as a present.
Is the Minister aware that recently a rescue operation of an urgent nature had to be carried out off the Donegal coast by a British helicopter? Were these facilities not available from British sources, a young girl would have lost her life. Does the Minister not agree that the time has arrived for G.H.Q. to show a bit of intelligence in regard to the use of helicopters?
The Minister is aware that nobody should attack people who are not here to defend themselves. I take full responsibility for G.H.Q. and all its activities, whatever they are and I resent any attack on G.H.Q.
Whoever the cap fits can wear it, so far as this is concerned. I say it is disgraceful not to purchase helicopters.
Major de Valera
It all depends on what the policy of G.H.Q. is.
The Minister need not try to say I am insulting the Army.
What did the Deputy do?
I served in the Army.
It was a great blessing that there was an Army there for you to serve in.
Half the youth of the country had to leave because of the way the Army was treated.