Vol. 516 No. 6
103 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Defence the steps, if any, he and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform have taken to address the ongoing problems which have emerged regarding the use of the Garda helicopter; and the difficulties reported between Garda staff and the Air Corps. [8859/00]
As I stated in my reply to a similar question in the House on 17 February, 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, one helicopter and one fixed-wing aircraft. 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.
The Deputy may recall that I announced on 25 February that a squirrel helicopter is to be acquired as soon as possible for the Air Corps. This helicopter will facilitate training of pilots for the Garda air support unit.
