Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 4

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.

Michael Finucane

Question:

67 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Defence the equipment modernisation programme envisaged for the Air Corps; the time scale involved for the delivery of the equipment; and the details of the equipment, including helicopters, that will be delivered on a phased basis over the three year period. [3906/01]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

74 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the progress made to date in the tendering process for the supply of medium lift helicopters; when the tendering process will be completed; when the helicopters will be supplied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4009/01]

Seán Power

Question:

90 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Defence the plans he has to purchase medium lift helicopters for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4153/01]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67, 74 and 90 together.

The Government fully recognises that there are urgent equipment modernisation requirements in the Air Corps. In recognition of these requirements, I announced on 1 March of last year, 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. The tender competition for the acquisition of the helicopters is progressing well.

This major investment programme involves the acquisition of two medium lift helicopters, with an 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, RFP, stage and a request for tenders, RFT, stage. Responses to the RFP were received in the Department on 21 September 2000. Six responses were received. The six responses have been evaluated at this stage and a short list of companies for participation in the RFT stage has been drawn up. The documentation for the RFT stage is almost complete and it is expected that it will issue in a matter of days. Following receipt of tenders a comprehensive evaluation process will begin on the proposed helicopters. The evaluation will, of necessity, take some time to complete. It is expected that the Department will be in a position to place a contract in the middle of this year.

The responses to the RFP carried a range of possible delivery dates for the proposed helicopters. However, the lead in time for the delivery of the helicopters is a matter that will have to be discussed with the successful tenderer in due course. I assure the Deputies that every effort will be made to have the helicopters delivered at the earliest possible dates, while also taking account of the intensive training requirements involved.

There are other equipment requirements in the Air Corps. A priority is the requirement to acquire fixed wing training aircraft for Air Corps cadets and officers. When proposals are received from the military authorities in relation to this I will arrange for my Department to progress the matter as one of urgency.

Questions Nos. 68 and 69 taken with Question No. 51.