asked the Minister for Defence if the new Dauphin helicopters obtained by the Air Corps last year are yet available for rescue operations during darkness; if not, when they are likely to be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dauphin Helicopters.
14.
(Limerick West): Dauphin helicopters are not yet available for search and rescue operations during darkness. It is expected that a limited night capability will be achieved before the end of 1988.
Is it not the situation that where night surveillance is needed it is still necessary for us to call on the services of the Royal Air Force?
(Limerick West): Whatever services were available up to the time of the purchase of the Dauphin helicopters are still available.
Does that mean calling in the Royal Air Force?
(Limerick West): Whatever services were available up until that time are still available.
Is the reason the Dauphin helicopters are currently not available and have been unavailable since they were purchased at great expense is because we have not trained our pilots to be able to use them at night?
(Limerick West): That is not correct. Extensive training is still in progress to train pilots and crews for night operations. As I have said, it is expected that a limited night capability will be achieved before the end of 1988. I want to assure the House that the crews will be fully trained before they take part in night and rescue operations.
I fully accept that but can the Minister tell us what is the reason for the hold up in using the Dauphin helicopters for night surveillance if it is not the training of the pilots?
(Limerick West): There is no hold up. I must be advised by the experts of the Air Corps. I have been advised that, hopefully, by the end of this year there will be a limited capability for night operations. From a safety point of view, I have to be advised by the Air Corps on the operation of the helicopters.
Deputy Paul Connaughton.
Do you not know the reason?
I am sorry, Deputy, but I have called Deputy Connaughton.
Is it true that the helicopters were bought first and then the policy was to train the pilots?
Over a year ago.
(Limerick West): Yes, that is true but I do not know of any other way in which they can be trained.
Send them away to be trained.
Does it not amount to dreadful mismanagement in that having bought the helicopters we then find there is nobody trained to fly them?
(Limerick West): The decision was taken by the previous Government. I must also remind the Deputy that there are other helicopters and they have to be operated. I can see no point in sending all our crews abroad for training at the one time. That is not on. Operations at home must continue. The training of crews in how to use the new Dauphin helicopters is progressing very favourably and, as I have said, I hope by the end of this year that a limited night capability will be achieved.
Earlier the Minister mentioned by the end of 1988 but I presume he meant by the end of 1987.
(Limerick West): 1988.
Is it the end of this year or the end of next year?
(Limerick West): 1988.
The Minister has just said by the end of this year while earlier he said by the end of 1988.
(Limerick West): I am sorry if I said by the end of this year. I meant 1988.
Therefore, it is still a good 13 months away.
That is a scandal.
Can the Minister tell the House how many Air Corps pilots are being trained to fly the Dauphin helicopters and how long the training has been in progress? When is the training to be completed?
(Limerick West): I expect all of our pilots would be trained in how to fly the Dauphin heliopters.
How many?
(Limerick West): I do not have the number but if the Deputy will——
Put down a question.
(Limerick West):——I would be glad to let the Deputy have the information.
Surely the Minister knows how many Air Corps pilots are being trained at present and when the training commenced? Surely there must be some estimate as to when the training programme is to be completed?
(Limerick West): As I have said, we hope to have the programme completed by the end of 1988. I do not have the number of those involved in the training programme but I will let the Deputy have that information in due course.
Why is it taking so long to train the pilots?
He does not know.
Is it because of the cutbacks?
(Limerick West): All our pilots must be trained in how to fly the Dauphin and that takes some time.
How much time?
(Limerick West): It will take as long as is necessary.
How long is that?
(Limerick West): I have to be guided by the experts in the Air Corps.
What guidance have they given to you?
(Limerick West): I have just told the Deputy that it is expected that there will be a limited night capability before the end of 1988. I have to be guided by the experts.
The Minister——
I am sorry, Deputy, but I am now proceeding to deal with questions nominated for priority. Question No. 20, please.