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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 11 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 4

Written Answers - Air Corps Aircraft.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

109 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Defence the reason the fixed wing aircraft purchased by An Garda Síochána has been grounded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11075/01]

One of the key safety recommendations of the report of the air accident investigation unit of the Department of Public Enterprise into the Tramore accident was that an independent air operations safety audit of the Air Corps would be carried out. Intercontinental aviation safety consultants were awarded the contract for this audit on 21 February 2001 and the audit was subsequently carried out between 21 March and 29 March 2001. The auditors gave a preliminary oral briefing at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, on 29 March during which a number of safety issues relating to the defender aircraft were raised. While the auditors indicated that these were preliminary findings which would be subject to change receipt of additional material, the safety issues raised were such that the general officer commanding the Air Corps decided that operations on the aircraft be suspended immediately. The Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Garda authorities were informed regarding the safety issues arising.

Contact has since taken place between all relevant parties including the aircraft manufacturers, the relevant regulatory authority, and the auditors on points of clarification and information. Once all technical issues which may have implications for safety have been satisfactorily resolved the aircraft will resume operations at the earliest possible date.

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