Ivan Yates
Question:32 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Defence if a decision has been taken to replace the helicopter lost in the Tramore crash; and if he will make a statement on the re-equipment of the Air Corps. [26289/99]
Written Answers. - Air Corps Equipment.
The question of future equipment requirements for the Air Corps will be dealt with in the context of the White Paper on Defence which I plan to bring forward by the end of the year. Following the review of the Air Corps, which was carried out by consultants PricewaterhouseCoopers, I asked the chief of staff to prepare, in conjunction with the general officer commanding the Air Corps, a draft implementation plan for my consideration, to give effect to the effectiveness and efficiency recommendations made in the consultants' report. The draft plan was submitted recently and is being examined in the context of the preparation of the White Paper.
Work on the paper will be completed by the end of the year and I intend to bring forward my proposals immediately for consideration and approval by Government.