Cormac Devlin
Question:37. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence the status and readiness of the Air Corps. [13335/22]
View answerThursday, 10 March 2022
Questions (37)
Written answers
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps, is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable them to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
Priorities for the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps, are considered in the context of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development, infrastructure and equipment planning processes and are also now being considered in the context of the recently published Commission on the Defence Forces report.
The Air Corps operate a fleet of fixed and rotary wing aircraft which provide military support to the Army and Naval Service, together with support for non-military air services such as Garda Air Support Unit, air ambulance, fisheries protection and the Ministerial Air Transport Service.
The Air Corps has an existing fleet of eight (8) Pilatus PC-9 training aircraft, four (4) Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, two (2) CASA Maritime Patrol aircraft, two (2) EC 135 and six (6) AW 139 helicopters which deliver Defence Forces support and other support capabilities as required. The Air Corps also operates one (1) Lear LR45 aircraft which is used primarily in the provision of the Ministerial Air Transport Service.
In addition to the training and operational aircraft outlined above, the Air Corps operates one (1) Britten Norman Defender fixed wing aircraft and two (2) EC135 helicopters for An Garda Síochána.
A contract for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft was entered into with Airbus Defence and Space in December 2019, with delivery of the aircraft expected in 2023. The cost of the contract including ancillary support is €229m inclusive of VAT.
All Air Corps aircraft and equipment are maintained in accordance with the Air Corps' maintenance regulations, the Air Regulation Manual Part E (ARM E). The ARM E ensures that all maintenance is carried out in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations, and in adherence to industry best standards. Maintenance schedules are planned in so far as possible with a view to maximising fleet availability.
I am satisfied that the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps have the necessary modern and effective range of equipment available to them which is in line with best international standards in order to fulfil all roles assigned to them by Government.