Vol. 514 No. 1
149 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that there has been and are adequate spare parts to service the maintenance requirements of the Dauphin helicopter fleet; if defective equipment had any role to play in the helicopter crash for the new rescue service located in Waterford in 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3602/00]
During the years 1997, 1998 and 1999 almost £5 million was expended on the provision of spare parts for and on repairs to the Dauphin helicopter fleet. All of these aircraft undergo regular maintenance and scheduled overhauls to ensure they are fully airworthy and meet the certification standards laid down for the aviation industry. The position in regard to the investigation of the accident at Waterford last year was indicated by me in reply on 8 February 2000 to a question from Deputy Fitzgerald.
