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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Operations.

Michael Finucane

Question:

1053 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when a second helicopter will be provided for the Garda Air Support Unit. [1858/01]

On 6 August 1999, a contract was entered into between Eurocopter and my Department for the supply of an EC 135 helicopter for the Garda Air Support Unit.

The helicopter was built in the Eurocopter facility at Donauworth, Germany. It was flown to McAlpine Helicopters, Oxford, UK in December 2000 where it is currently being fitted out with police mission equipment.

It is expected that work on the helicopter will be completed by the end of April 2001. Pilot and observers training will then have to be completed before the EC 135 commences active Garda operations later this year.

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