Pat Cox
Ceist:6 Mr. Cox asked the Minister for Defence whether a Dauphin helicopter was overhauled in France; if so, the cost; and the reason this work was not carried out in Ireland.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Overhaul of Dauphin Helicopter.
Richard Bruton
Ceist:10 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to sell off the Dauphin helicopters currently being used by the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Seán Barrett
Ceist:77 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Defence if he intends to sell off the Dauphin helicopters currently being used by the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 10 and 77 together.
Dauphin helicopters undergo first-line servicing every 50 flying hours, with inspections on an annual basis. All such servicing and inspections are carried out by the Air Corps. A major overhaul is necessary after 3,600 hours flying or eight years and for this purpose a Dauphin helicopter underwent a scheduled inspection, modification and maintenance programme at the premises of the manufacturer in France during 1993. The total cost involved was of the order of £900,000.
The overhaul involved a detailed examination of every component part and was availed of to establish the condition of the aircraft, particularly as it had been operating in an extreme maritime environment, and to draw up new maintenance schedules specifically related to fleet usage by the Air Corps. Such schedules may only be prepared by the manufacturer of the aircraft and require to be approved by the domestic aircraft certification authority — in this case in France.
There is no plan to sell the Dauphin helicopters as they continue to be required for fishery protection, search and rescure missions and other operational duties.
I thank the Minister for his reply. As the sum for the overhaul is quite substantial will the Minister indicate whether we have the expertise to carry out such work?
I have no doubt we have the expertise but, as I said, these aircraft are peculiar to France and, consequently, there is a type of fail safe situation there. I understand we may have contractual obligations in regard to the maintenance of these particular French-manufactured helicopters. I hope this answers the Deputy's question.