Vol. 454 No. 3
179 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Defence the number of our naval vessels which are fully operational; the number of these with helicopter-carrying capacity; if the avionics have now been perfected to enable these helicopters to operate day or night and in adverse sea conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10507/95]
The Naval Service has a total of seven patrol vessels of which one, the LE Eithne, has a helicopter-carrying capability. Five vessels are currently operational. The two remaining vessels, the LE Deirdre and the LE Orla, are undergoing planned maintenance-refits and will shortly be returning to operational duty.
Two of the five Dauphin helicopters held by the Air Corps are adapted to operate from the LE Eithne.
In general the avionics system allows the Dauphin helicopters to operate by day and by night and in adverse weather.
In the fishery protection role, the helicopters function within the performance parameters prescribed in the relevent flight manual and subject to the operational limitations appropriate to the ship, weather conditions and the prevailing sea state.
180 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Defence the degree of sophistication of the radar facilities aboard our naval vessels; the range within which they can detect small crafts and yachts at sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10508/95]
In the interests of security it is not the practice to disclose details regarding operational equipment on board Naval Service vessels.
