asked the Minister for Justice the number of pilots in training to operate the helicopters and light planes referred to in his announcement of 4 September 1980; and if he will give details of the number (a) specially trained in Ireland, (b) specially trained abroad and (c) of technical support personnel in training; and if he will also give details of the courses being pursued.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pilots in Training.
19.
No members of the Garda Síochána have yet been sent for training as pilots or technical support personnel.
I indicated to the House on a number of occasions, the latest being in reply to a parliamentary question on 19 February —Official Report, volume 326, column 2157—that the examination of the project to provide helicopters and light aircraft for the Garda Síochána was complex and required detailed planning. This examination is still proceeding.
Does the Minister accept that the training of a pilot would take upwards of two years? Does he now tell us that he was serious in his proposal last September to provide an aerial reconnaissance force for the Garda?
This is a very complex matter and very large sums of money are involved. The Deputy will appreciate that one must be very cautious until a very full study is made of what is involved. It can take up to two years to train a pilot for a fixed-wing aircraft and it takes a minimum of three years to train a helicopter pilot. The commissioner is conducting an inquiry within the force to find out what Garda personnel have previous experience in this area. When it is decided what resources he has, the matter of selecting and training will go ahead.
If the Minister wishes to convince people that he is serious about this, surely the very least he could do would be to start this three-year training course.
The matter of selecting personnel is under way.
Since when?
I understand that all divisions have already reported back to the Garda Commissioner as a result of an inquiry from headquarters.
When?
I have not the dates. This is entirely a Garda matter. It appears that about 30 people have had some experience. It costs over £60,000 to train a helicopter pilot and possible candidates will have to be examined as to suitability, age, and the number of years they will remain in the service. These matters require careful study and examination.
Six months later the Minister has only sent out an inquiry and received a report back.
Until such time as the Garda are equipped, they are getting invaluable help from the Air Corps. I am talking about the reality of the situation.
I am talking about the Minister's publicity stunt.
The Deputy is being a professional knocker.
Question No. 20 is for written reply. I now call Question No. 21.