Vol. 553 No. 3
20 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the provision of night flying training for Air Corps pilots servicing the Garda air support unit; the discussions he has had with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13829/02]
On 23 April 1996 the Government approved the establishment of a dedicated Garda Air Support Unit as recommended in the report of the Interdepartmental Group on Air Support for the Garda Síochána. The service provided through the Garda Air Support Unit, which was inaugurated in September 1997, comprises Garda Síochána and Air Corps personnel and operates from Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel. The Garda Síochána is responsible for the operational control and policing functions, while Air Corps personnel have responsibility for the flying and maintenance functions of the service. Two aircraft are operated by the Air Corps on behalf of the Garda Síochána, one twin engine AS355N Squirrel helicopter and one Defender 4000 fixed wing aircraft. On 10 November 1998 the Government approved the acquisition of a second twin engine helicopter with a 24 hour capability for the GASU. This new helicopter – an EC 135 – is due for delivery in the very near future.
The question of night flying capacity has been the subject of ongoing communication between my Department and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for some time. To facilitate an effective programme of training, which would not impinge on the ongoing GASU operation, I announced in February 2000 that a Squirrel helicopter was to be acquired for the Air Corps as soon as possible for the purpose of pilot training in connection with the operation of the GASU. Work began in my Department on the preparation of the tender documentation and on 22 May 2000, a request for tender issued for the supply of one used Squirrel AS 355 F2 helicopter. To date, despite best efforts, it has not proven possible to acquire the appropriate helicopter due to the lack of a suitable aircraft in the marketplace. However, efforts in this regard are ongoing.
I am pleased to report that a training programme for night operations is being developed in conjunction with the introduction into service of the new EC 135.
Will the Minister indicate the composition of the crew of these new helicopters? Will it be exclusively Air Corps personnel or will it be shared between Air Corps and Garda personnel?
Ultimately there are two options. One is for the Garda to employ private pilots, the other is for the Air Corps to provide that service in conjunction with the Garda as pertains currently. The Air Corps provide that service in conjunction with the Garda and that is the way it is working at present. The Garda is in charge of commanding what is done but the Air Corps is in charge of the management and piloting of the aircraft itself. It is operated harmoniously between the two distinct forces.
