Vol. 515 No. 6
101 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Defence if he can confirm recent media reports that Air Corps pilots have asked to be taken off the search and rescue duty on the Dauphin helicopter fleet due to their concerns regarding safety; the steps, if any, he is taking to ensure that adequate funding is provided for the helicopter fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6657/00]
The White Paper on Defence which was approved by Government on Tuesday last provides for significant new investment in the Air Corps. In recognition of the urgent equipment modernisation requirements of the Air Corps I was pleased to announce immediately the allocation of a total of up to £55 million over the next three years for this purpose. These funds will initiate vital investment in new aircraft for the Air Corps.
The White Paper on Defence accepts the Price Waterhouse review of the Air Corps as the basis for the development of that service. The Government's policy is that the Air Corps will be heavily involved in providing services to agencies outside the Defence Forces. The extent and nature of these services will, of necessity, be a determinant of the type of aircraft to be provided for the Air Corps.
The recently established civil-military board tasked with examining urgently a number of issues in relation to Air Corps equipment decisions including those relating to search and rescue cover has been instructed to produce its recommendations by the end of this month. Search and rescue missions continue to be undertaken by Air Corps flying officers using Dauphin helicopters which undergo regular maintenance and scheduled overhauls to ensure that they are fully airworthy and meet the certification standards laid down for the aviation industry.
