I propose to take Questions Nos. 61, 71, 96, 99, 106, 110, 175, 179, 180, 182, 184 and 203 together.
The wideranging set of recommendations which emerged from the Price Waterhouse review of the Air Corps completed last year included two relating to the relocation of components of the corps. Specifically these were that the Air Corps Headquarters should be relocated to Casement Aerodrome and that the Air Support Squadron should be transferred there from Gormanston. It is my intention that both those recommendations will be acted on as soon as possible as part of the plan to implement the review group's findings.
As I have indicated in the House, the Government considered the Price Waterhouse review of the Air Corps and the Naval Service last year. To deal with all of the issues raised in the review, a detailed planning process was initiated to give effect to the Government's decision. The Chief of Staff has been asked, in conjunction with the General Officer Commanding the Air Corps and the Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Service, to submit detailed implementation plans for my consideration to put in place the necessary effectiveness and efficiency measures in their respective areas. The proposed implementation plan will address the relocation aspects along with all the other detailed operational and developmental recommendations as part of a comprehensive plan for a more effective Air Corps and Naval Service.
It is obvious that satisfactory accommodation will have to be provided for personnel incoming to Casement Aerodrome and an assessment of existing facilities and additional requirements there will be undertaken by the military authorities in that context. Where the upgrading of facilities or provision of new premises is found to be necessary, appropriate action will be taken to have the work carried out as quickly as possible in the light of competing demands and financial resources available. I am confident the challenge of completing the moves to Casement will be met by the Air Corps with the same degree of determination and efficiency demonstrated by their Army colleagues in the equally formidable task of relocating troops from the barracks which closed last year and that the outcome will be similarly successful.
I reject the implication in some of the questions that overall there is a poor standard of accommodation for personnel stationed at the Aerodrome or that it has an adverse effect on personnel numbers. In recent years substantial expenditure – almost £3.5 million – has been invested in the improvement of infrastructure and facilities there including new mess and accommodation facilities, up-grading of hangars, repairing the gymnasium and new engineering and flight training areas. The thrust to modernise the aerodrome is continuing and provision is made in the 1999 Estimates for further hangar refurbishment and for the commencement of the building of a new hangar, transport workshops and a new operational building for Air Corps and Garda personnel involved in the Garda air support aircraft. The cost of this latter building will be shared by my Department and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
With regard to the helicopter wing building mentioned specifically, the position is that while the building has been regularly maintained it is now showing the signs of deterioration due to its age – 17 years. However, as I mentioned, accommodation requirements for personnel at the aerodrome and those due to be relocated there are being examined and will be reported on by the military authorities and the helicopter wing building will be included in that process.
I am confident that, with the combined support of the Air Corps and other military personnel involved, the forthcoming implementation plan will become a worthwhile reality and that the corps will be a revitalised, modern organisation with the highest standards of efficiency and effectiveness.