I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 30 and 48 together.
The decision to cancel the tender competition for the acquisition of medium lift helicopters for the Air Corps in July 2002, was taken due to budgetary constraints which meant that the level of defence expenditure had to be reduced. The programme was a significant one, including as it did, the proposed purchase of three medium range helicopters for search and rescue with the option for a further two helicopters for general purpose military transport.
The decision to cancel the tender competition was an extremely difficult one for me. The subsequent lease of a S61 helicopter, however, ensured that the Air Corps could retain its role in providing SAR services in the north west upon the withdrawal of the Dauphin helicopter from that service.
When the decision to cancel the tender competition was made, I asked my officials to initiate a review of the provision of helicopters services, in conjunction with the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, to determine how best to meet the State's obligations in search and rescue, while taking account of the current financial position.
An interdepartmental working group was established to examine and consider alternative solutions to the funding issue, such as public private partnerships, with a view to providing medium lift helicopters for the Air Corps by other means. The PPP unit in the Department of Finance was also involved in assisting the working group in identifying and assessing possible solutions.