Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 January 2022
107. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the measures that are currently being undertaken to provide the Defence Forces with the means to adequately patrol the air space controlled by Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3891/22]
View answerThe White Paper on Defence 2015 set out the defence policy framework for a ten year period. The White Paper, in addressing Air Corps capability, provided for the replacement of the Cessnas and Casa 235s fleets.
The Cessnas have now been replaced by three Pilatus PC-12 aircraft in the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) role providing a substantially increased capability with their state of the art surveilance technology. A further Pilatus PC-12 was also procured arising from the demands of Covid. A contract for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft to replace the two Casa 235s was signed with Airbus in 2019, with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023. These C295s are larger and more capable aircfrat than those they replace and will enable the Air Corps to conduct martime patrols and surveillance acros Ireland's area of maritime interest, with enhanced capabilities.
The White Paper also stated that should additional funding become available, the development of a radar surveillance capability for the Air Corps is a priority. Funding for this is not specifically provided in the current resource envelope and any future decisions in this regard will be in the context of priorities having regard to the ongoing security environment and any associated developments. As outlined in the White Paper, the Air Corps's PC 9 aircraft provide a very limited air to air and air to ground capacity. Consideration of a more capable air combat intercept capability falls within the on-going Equipment Development Planning process, having regard to funding and other priorities. However, there are no plans to procure any such aircraft at his point.
Following a commitment given in the Programme for Government a Commission on the Defence Forces was established by Government in December 2020 and their report is expected soon. The Commission's terms of reference included the consideration of appropriate capabilities, structures and staffing for the Defence Forces. Their report will be fully considered when received and will inform decisions regarding the future development of the Defence Forces.
