26 Nov 2013, 11:29
A delegation from the Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality will visit Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co Dublin on Thursday, 28th November 2013 to review the role and contribution played by the Air Corps in the defence and security of our State.
Committee Chairman David Stanton TD said: “Around 750 men and women serve in the Air Corps, providing a crucial role in national defence and security. The Air Corps has recently completed a major fleet upgrade programme whereby many of its older aircraft have been replaced by modern, state of the art military aircraft. This in turn has allowed for increased efficiency, increased output and significant improved capabilities. On top of this, in the late 1990s, the Garda Air Support Unit was established and it now comprises the two helicopters and a single fixed-wing Defender flown by Air Corps pilots from Baldonnel on missions tasked by the Gardaí.
As the committee with a remit in the area of defence, we are looking forward to getting an update on the work the Air Corps is carrying out for the State. As well as seeing at first-hand the work being undertaken at Baldonnel, we will also receive an indepth briefing from Air Corps personnel based there.
This week’s visit follows a visit earlier in the year by the Committee to the Glen of Imaal, Co Wicklow to review a Mission Readiness Exercise by the 108th Infantry Battalion which was preparing for peacekeeping duties in Lebanon with the United Nations. The Committee has also visited Collins Barracks, the National Maritime College in Ringaskiddy and the Naval Base, Haulbowline in Cork to be briefed on the work carried out at these facilities. The Committee is committed to visit as many of these facilities as possible so it is fully informed on the important work that our military personnel undertake on behalf of the State.”
Any media wishing to accompany the Committee must be accredited by the Defence Forces Press Office. Photographs of this visit will be provided by the Defence Forces Press Office.
Media Enquiries to:
Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +3531 618 3903
M: 086-0496518
F: +3531 618 4551
Committee Membership
Deputies: Niall Collins (FF); Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (FG); Alan Farrell (FG); Anne Ferris (LAB) [Vice-Chairman]; Seán Kenny (LAB); Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (SF); Finian McGrath (IND); John Paul Phelan (FG); David Stanton (FG) [Chairman]
Senators: Ivana Bacik (LAB); Martin Conway (FG); Rónán Mullen (IND); Denis O’Donovan (FF); Katherine Zappone (IND); Tony Mulcahy (FG).
Note to the editor:
Itinerary for Committee delegation visit
11.35 Introduction to the Air Corps
11.40 Briefings by Operations Staff with contributions from Support Staff
12.20 Visit to Garda Air Support Unit
12.35 Aircraft & Equipment static display at No. 5 Hanger