asked the Minister for Defence the expected strength of the Air Corps fighter squadron in 1980; and when orders for aircraft will be placed.
21.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Air Corps.
20.
asked the Minister for Defence the number of orders for aircraft for the Air Corps that have been placed since March, 1973; and the date of each order.
22.
asked the Minister for Defence the reason for the delay in delivering aircraft to the Air Corps within the past two years.
23.
asked the Minister for Defence the number of aircraft that have been delivered to the Air Corps since March, 1973; and the date of each delivery.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 21, 22 and 23 together.
The following orders were placed since March, 1973: 23rd August, 1973 —1 helicopter; delivered 12th December, 1973; 3rd January, 1974—1 helicopter; delivered 20th March, 1974; 22nd March, 1974—6 jet aircraft; for delivery commencing in December, 1974. Delivery of the six jets has been delayed due to production difficulties.
These six aircraft are expected to be still in service in 1980. It is not possible to forecast what further aircraft, if any, will be ordered for the fighter squadron in the meantime.
The delay in the delivery of these jet aircraft is a very serious matter because it undermines the position about ordering aircraft and planning for the future when they are behind time on delivery.
On 22nd March, 1974, a contract was signed with Societe Nationale Industrielle Aerospatiale, Paris, for the supply of six "Super Magister" CM170 jet aircraft. I agree there has been a delay but in the delivery of all goods for Army use there seems to be considerable delay and this is most irritating.