Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 April 2017
377. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Garda surveillance helicopter can operate without the need for air traffic controllers; and the number of times in 2016 it took off and landed without such ATC in situ. [18473/17]
View answerI am aware of that fact and that the Garda Air Support Unit (GASU) helicopters can undertake operations on a 24 hour basis. For operational and security reasons, it would not be appropriate to disclose precise details of GASU missions. As outlined in previous replies to parliamentary questions there are ongoing restrictions in the provision of Air Traffic Control services in Casement Aerodrome and a shortage of experienced pilots. The Air Corps is not providing fixed wing aircraft for routine operations, on an ongoing basis, outside normal hours.
