Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:
182. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence the total cost of repairs to both the CASA and Pilatus aircraft damaged in a hangar movement earlier this year; if the collision was due to the ongoing staffing crisis; if not, if the personnel involved have been disciplined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54404/23]
View answer
I am advised that the Department does not retain the information sought by the Deputy and accordingly has requested same from the military authorities. As soon as the requested information is received I will arrange to have same forwarded to the Deputy.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
I refer to your recent Parliamentary Question (Ref No PQ 54404/23 – copy attached for ease of reference) requesting information in relation to “the total cost of repairs to both the CASA and Pilatus aircraft damaged in a hangar movement earlier this year; if the collision was due to the ongoing staffing crisis; if not, if the personnel involved have been disciplined; and if he will make a statement on the matter”. As indicated in my reply, the information sought was not readily available. However, same has been collated and is now set out below;
• The total cost of repairs to the CASA and PC-12 were €30,025.07 and €34,602.38 respectively.
A comprehensive flight safety investigation was immediately initiated by the Irish Air Corps following this incident, and this investigation is complete. The purpose of accident investigation is not to apportion blame or liability but to ensure future safe practice.
In this instance, Military authorities have advised that the collision was not due to staffing challenges in the Air Corps and the investigation identified issues in relation to training and updating of procedures, however no disciplinary action was deemed appropriate. Disciplinary proceedings are not appropriate if no wilful violation of standard operating procedures, negligence or criminality are identified.
