Vol. 514 No. 5
31 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Defence the steps, if any, he and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform have taken to deal with the outstanding problems in relation to the use of the Garda helicopter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4568/00]
The Garda Air Support Unit was inaugurated in September 1997 and operates from Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. Two aircraft are operated by the Air Corps on behalf of the Garda Síochána, viz. one helicopter for observation/patrol duties and one fixed-wing aircraft for technical surveillance purposes. As one would expect in the case of such an operation there are regular and ongoing discussions at operational level between the Air Corps and the Garda Síochána. These discussions are supplemented by discussions between officials from my Department and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, as and when required. Issues arising in relation to the operation of the service are dealt with in these fora.
