Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 5

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.

Michael Finucane

Question:

124 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Defence if, following the Doherty report of 1990 setting up a review group on air and sea rescue services which recommended the purchase of two medium lift helicopters for operation by the Air Corps, he will state the reason these helicopters were not purchased; if the Air Corps has decided on the type of aircraft to be purchased; and when is the delivery of the two helicopters planned. [22954/00]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

155 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the progress made in the procurement process for new medium lift helicopters for the Air Corps. [22990/00]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 124 and 155 together.

Following the publication of the Doherty report, the then Government decided to reject the recommendation to purchase two Sea King type helicopters for operation by the Air Corps. The decision was taken in the prevailing circumstances where the Air Corps was not in a position to undertake these tasks due, inter alia, to a shortage of flying officers.

The Government decided to opt instead for the supply, on civil contract to the Irish Marine Emergency Service, IMES, now the Irish Coast Guard, of one medium lift Sikorsky S61 type heli copter which is similar to a Sea King. This helicopter commenced operations in Shannon on 1 July 1991. This was followed up on 1 July 1998 with the provision, again on civil contract to the Irish Coast Guard, of another Sikorsky S61 helicopter which is based at Dublin Airport.

The current Government fully recognise 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.

The first indicator of this investment is the current project for the acquisition of medium lift helicopters for the Air Corps. This major investment programme involves the acquisition of two medium lift helicopters, with a option of a third, for Search and rescue purposes as well as an option for two medium lift helicopters for general purpose military transport.

The tender competition is being carried out in two stages, a request for proposals stage and a request for tenders stage. Responses to the RFP were received in the Department on 21 September 2000. Six responses were received. Those responses are now being evaluated in the Department with a view to drawing up a short list of contenders for the RFT stage.

It is expected that the RFT stage will commence early in the new year following which a clearer picture will emerge on possible delivery dates etc.