Liz McManus
Question:18 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has for the provision of maritime patrol planes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Air Corps Aircraft.
Pat Rabbitte
Question:25 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Defence the number of aircraft currently in the possession of the Air Corps; the number currently in service; the number of Fouga jets currently in service; the implications for pilot training of the grounding of a number of aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 25 together.
The Air Corps has a total of 38 fixed-wing planes and helicopters. All of these aircraft undergo continuous programmes of major overhaul and routine maintenance to ensure their airworthiness but they may also require unscheduled maintenance to correct faults which may occur. The number of aircraft available for operational duties at any one time varies accordingly.
The aircraft inventory includes six Fouga jet aircraft of which four are currently in service and two are undergoing scheduled maintenance.
In accordance with an EU-approved programme, a contract has been placed for the purchase of two new CASA CN 235 maritime patrol aircraft. The new aircraft which will be used for the purpose of fisheries surveillance operations, are due for delivery in the latter half of this year. In June 1991 delivery was taken of a CASA CN 235 aircraft and this has been carrying out fisheries surveillance operations on an interim basis.
The programme of pilot training in the Air Corps is ongoing and there are sufficient aircraft available for this purpose.
Is the Minister aware that concern has been expressed that there will not be sufficient radar operators to operate the new aircraft which will be delivered in the latter half of this year? What steps are being taken to ensure that the necessary staff are trained to operate the new aircraft — which will be a great addition to the patrol capacity — to ensure that they are fully operational and capable of being used to the fullest extent?
This is the first time I have heard it suggested that people will not be available to operate the CASA aircraft. If the Deputy gave me an opportunity to examine it I would either correspond with him or he could put down a question on this matter for the next Question Time. The CASA aircraft will be coming on stream in the latter half of the year. I would be anxious that they go into operation immediately. I will certainly take account of the views expressed by the Deputy.
I wish to draw the Minister's attention to a report in the Irish Independent of 14 September 1993 by Don Lavery who quoted unnamed sources in the Air Corps to the effect that there was a shortage of radar operators.
Quotations at Question Time are not in order.
It was officially denied by the Air Corps. Nevertheless the question remains as to what steps are being taken. I appreciate the Minister may not have that information to hand.
I always pay particular regard to what I read in the Irish Independent but I am not certain whether I would take it as gospel from the individual concerned, rather would I take it from the security correspondent. I do not necessarily comment on what is obviously speculation.
I do not know what the Minister has against Don Lavery. I will have to find out.
The unnamed sources do not appear to have too much guts.
The time has come to deal with questions addressed to the Minister in his capacity as Minister for the Marine. Question No. 31, please.
The Minister has cast some kind of aspersion on a journalist of the Irish Independent. That is a matter for the journalist to deal with. I ask the Minister in the course of time to make inquiries about the training of staff to operate the CASA aircraft.
As I indicated earlier, I am calling Question No. 31, in the name of Deputy O'Keeffe. I am sure the Chair will be obeyed.
I always obey the Chair. With respect, I wish to make it clear that I am not criticising the journalist but if you were to set one journalist against the other, I would take the latter.
It is invidious for the Minister to do that.
I have called Question No. 31.
The Deputy raised the matter.
No, the Minister raised it. He made the comparison between the security correspondent and Don Lavery.
Don Lavery is a gentleman.
It is about consistency.
I have nothing against Don Lavery one way or the other.
Can we please have a response to Question No. 31?
Is Don Lavery a constituent?
I do not know what his politics are.
I know the Minister represents everybody.
I am a community politician.