asked the Minister for Defence if he will indicate the nature, extent and cost of services necessary to maintain a Dauphin helicopter on permanent standby; the cost of such backup services for one helicopter for one year; if the Government propose to make such allocation available during 1988-89 for the purpose of having a helicopter on permanent standby based in a west-north western location; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Dauphin Helicopter Maintenance Costs.
59.
Limerick West): In order to guarantee availability all year round, a single helicopter located in isolation will not suffice. Three aircraft must be assigned to the task to allow for one on routine maintenance and one of the other two developing an unscheduled fault.
The nature and extent of services necessary to maintain a Dauphin helicopter on permanent standby include air and support service crews and personnel, hangarage, stores and administration accommodation, helipad and lighting avionics, fuel installation, transport and fire fighting. A detailed costing for the provision of these facilities is not available but it is estimated at £3.85 million per year.