Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2023
191. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the types of flights and missions the Air Corps CASA CN 235s are suitable for and engage in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22467/23]
View answer193. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the flights flown by the Air Corps CASA CN 235s in April 2023; the downtime or maintenance periods, if any, arising from such flights or otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22469/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 191 and 193 together.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements, as assigned by Government.
The two (2) CASA CN235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft operated by the Air Corps are primarily used for maritime surveillance, particularly fishery protection in accordance with our obligations as a member of the EU. The aircraft conduct aerial surveillance activity within the Irish EEZ which equates to 132,000 square nautical miles - or five times the land area of Ireland, 16% of the total EU fisheries area.
In April 2023 the aircraft conducted a total of seven missions, six of which were maritime surveillance operations and one Ministerial Air Transport operation.
In addition to maritime surveillance, the CASA CN235s can be used for a range of taskings:
• Air Ambulance missions in support of the HSE.
• Aid to Civil Power - Repatriation of prisoners from other jurisdictions.
• Aid to Civil Authority - Humanitarian or compassionate support operations.
• Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS).
• Military /Logistics Support flights.
• Support to Irish Coast Guard.
• Various other supports to Government agencies such as Revenue and Inland Fisheries Ireland.
At any given point in time, some aircraft in the fleet will be subject to repair and maintenance. All Air Corps aircraft and equipment are maintained in accordance with the Air Corps' maintenance regulations, the Air Regulation Manual Part E (ARM E). This 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.
Of the two CASA CN235, one aircraft is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance since March 2023 and the other aircraft required one day of unscheduled maintenance in April.
