I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 29 together.
On 17 January 2002, I authorised my Department to open negotiations with Sikorsky International Operations, Inc., Connecticut, USA, for the purchase of three medium range helicopters – S-92s – for search and rescue purposes, with an option capable of being exercised within three years for a further two helicopters for general purpose military transport. The decision followed from a detailed examination of the tenders received from the four companies: Sikorsky, USA; CHC Scotia, Scotland; E.H. Industries Ltd.; UK and Eurocopter, France.
The offer from Sikorsky was deemed to be the most strategically and economically advantageous tender taking account of the award criteria set out for the tender competition, which were: functional characteristics; technical merit; all maintenance and on-line technical support; after sales service and warranty terms on offer; cost and ready availability of spare parts; tender prices; and life cycle costs over a nominal 20 year period.
I am satisfied, on the basis of the facts presented to me, that the offer from Sikorsky would provide best value for money from the taxpayers point of view. The time frame proposed by Sikorsky would see the delivery of three search and rescue helicopters by the end of next year.
Legal proceedings have been instituted on behalf of one of the unsuccessful tenderers and correspondence has been received from solicitors acting on behalf of another of the unsuccessful tenderers. My Department is dealing with the Chief State Solicitor's office on these matters.
Eurocopter has obtained leave to institute judicial review proceedings in the High Court seeking the disclosure of certain information. It is my intention to be as forthcoming as possible in this regard. However, as the matter is due to come before the court shortly I do not wish to say anything further at this stage.
As I have already mentioned, the offer from Sikorsky was deemed to be the most strategically and economically advantageous tender taking account of the award criteria set out for the tender competition. No other factors were taken into account.