Liam Burke
Question:44 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Defence the anti-aircraft capability of the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4810/02]
Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.
Alan M. Dukes
Question:62 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Defence the action he is taking or has taken to strengthen the Air Corps in order that the Defence Forces can protect Irish airspace from airborne terrorist attack; and the arrangements in place with other states to provide such protection should it be required. [4786/02]
Emmet Stagg
Question:74 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Defence the progress which has been made regarding his examination of the possibility of acquiring training aircraft with interceptor capability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4681/02]
Michael Creed
Question:86 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Defence his plans to purchase defensive and offensive air protection equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4800/02]
Liam Burke
Question:87 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Defence his views on whether the Defence Forces can protect Irish airspace from attack; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4809/02]
Alan Shatter
Question:120 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Defence the action he is taking or has taken to strengthen the Air Corps in order that the Defence Forces can protect Irish airspace from airborne terrorist attack; and the arrangements in place with other States to provide such protection should it be required. [4869/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 44, 62, 74, 86, 87 and 120 together.
The issue of air defence is being examined by the military authorities in the light of the terrible events of 11 September. This examination includes the equipment required for that purpose. In that regard, the Department has purchased several batteries of air defence guns, including radars, from the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The radar systems will have the capacity to detect overflights by aircraft. The equipment will be delivered over the next two to three months and will significantly enhance the air defence capabilities of the Defence Forces.
The possible acquisition of aircraft to fulfil an air defence role is also a consideration. In the detailed planning for the acquisition of training aircraft for the Irish Air Corps, consideration will be given to the possibility of including air defence capabilities in the aircraft.
The most important defence against any terrorist attacks is detection and prevention by the security forces. The level of any terrorist threat is being continually assessed. The advice available to me would suggest that there is no reason to believe that Ireland or Irish airspace is a direct target. However, it is prudent that we take precautions and keep matters under continuous review.
Jim O'Keeffe
Question:45 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding plans to replace the ministerial jet. [4559/02]
Seán Ryan
Question:91 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding consideration by the Government of a replacement for the Gulfstream IV jet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4686/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 91 together.
I have no plans to replace the Gulfstream IV aircraft which is used for ministerial transport. This aircraft was acquired in December 1991 and has flown, on average, 780 hours per year since coming into service.
Tenders are being evaluated by my Department for the lease for one year of a seven/eight seater jet aircraft to act as a backup to the Gulfstream IV. It is intended that the leased aircraft will service destinations in Ireland and western Europe. I expect that my Department will be in a position to enter into a lease agreement shortly.