Vol. 553 No. 3
10 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the acquisition by the Air Corps of new medium range helicopters; when it is expected that the judicial review proceedings in the High Court will be heard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13835/02]
13 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the situation regarding the contract for the purchase of helicopters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13747/02]
29 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Defence the position in relation to the purchase of helicopters for the Air Corps; and the position concerning the unsuccessful tenderers. [13806/02]
The Minister need not go into detail if he has already answered the question.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 10, 13 and 29 together.
As I have already answered the questions we can move straight to supplementaries.
What are the drawbacks of the non-availability of helicopters for the Defence Forces at present? Given that the Defence Forces does not have available to it medium range helicopters, how is that affecting its operations?
We would not have engaged in the acquisition of this aircraft unless we were satisfied that there was a need for it. Obviously the delay is disappointing. It is not something over which we have control and it is a pity it has happened. I am concerned at the delay and dearly wish it could be avoided. The expectation that this aircraft will be available is a morale booster. There are training considerations for new aircraft which would be ongoing if we were moving faster. At the same time we are advertising for trainer aircraft and work is taking place in terms of leasing in the context of search and rescue. We are trying to compensate for this delay by concentrating on other important areas for the Air Corps.
