asked the Minister for Defence if his Department have made any decision concerning the purchase of twin-engined helicopters; or if their purchases will be confined to the Alouettes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Helicopter Purchases.
19.
No decision has been made in regard to future purchases of helicopters.
Is the Minister satisfied that the Army helicopters are adequate to perform the various duties? It is obvious that more burdens could be imposed upon them at any stage.
I am satisfied. During the last two months when there were very heavy gales these helicopters were most useful in keeping people who live on islands supplied with medicines and food which they needed. They were also useful to take people away from the islands and returning those who had been discharged from hospital. In my view they are a very good helicopter but in the future it is possible a decision will have to be made to acquire a different type.
Have the Government made a decision to acquire more helicopters and, if so, when?
No decision has been made.
The Minister must plan ahead.
Is the Minister satisfied that we have sufficient helicopters to allow for their use by hospitals and health boards throughout the country?
Yes, I am. The position about that is that the now retired head of the Air Corps, Col. Swan, when the question arose as to whether or not we might change to some other type, made an application for two more Alouettes. That was acceded to and the number was considered sufficient, but at some time in the future we will have to think of what the next move should be.