Frances Fitzgerald
Question:71 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Defence when the first new aircraft will be available for use by the Air Corps. [17461/00]
Written Answers. - Air Corps Aircraft.
Austin Deasy
Question:80 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Defence the plans he has to replace the current batch of Air Corps helicopters, some of which appear to be excessively old and possibly unsafe. [17591/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 80 together.
The Government recognises that there are urgent equipment modernisation requirements in the Air Corps. In recognition of these requirements, I was pleased to announce on 1 March 2000 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.
Tender documents for the acquisition of a helicopter for training Air Corps pilots working with the Garda air support unit were issued recently.
The technical specifications and other documentation required for the commencement of the procurement process in relation to new medium lift helicopters for the Air Corps are being prepared. A joint civil-military project team has been set up to organise and oversee the tender competition and eventual evaluation and selection of the most suitable helicopter. I expect that a request for proposals from prospective suppliers will be issued before the end of this month.
The Air Corps fleet comprises 18 fixed wing aircraft and 14 helicopters, including one fixed wing aircraft and one helicopter operated by the Air Corps on behalf of the Garda Síochána. All these aircraft are operational and undergo regular maintenance and scheduled overhauls to ensure that they are fully airworthy and meet the certification standards laid down by the relevant aviation authorities.