103 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Defence the latest position regarding the provision of night flying training for Air Corps pilots servicing the Garda Air Support Unit; the discussions had with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4680/03]
The work-up, training and familiarisation period for the introduction into service of the EC 135 has been completed and the aircraft is now fully operational. The EC 135 is a welcome addition to the Garda air support unit, GASU, which also comprises one twin-engined AS355N Squirrel helicopter and one Defender 4000 fixed-wing aircraft. With the introduction of the EC135, the Air Corps assumes responsibility for the flying of this aircraft, while the maintenance is contracted out. However, the Air Corps will continue to be responsible for all matters relating to the flying and maintenance of the existing aircraft.
The issue of night flying capacity has been the subject of ongoing communication between the Department of Defence and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. There are no restrictions on the Garda helicopter for night operations in the greater Dublin area, where the greatest number of night call-outs has occurred. Cover is also provided on request in urban areas outside Dublin. Recent operations in this regard include missions in Killarney, Shannon and Galway. The demand for night time air support in non-urban rural areas is relatively small. That said, it is obviously desirable that the facility for air support in such areas would be available should it be required, while having regard to the absolute priority of the safe operation of the aircraft. The Air Corps is continuing to develop its night time flying capability within the available GASU resources and in this regard an ongoing training programme for night operations is being developed following on from the recent introduction into service of the new EC 135.
I find the Minister's answer hard to understand. This problem has existed since 1999 and every time the question is asked more or less the same reply is given. The Minister told the House that options for the provision of night flight training are under active consideration in the Department, something which has also been stated previously. What is the problem? Is there a dispute between the Department and the Garda? Is nobody prepared to sort this out? Also, it is unacceptable that the Garda helicopter is unavailable at night.
As I indicated, the bulk of call-outs are in the Dublin area. That covers day and night services. The Air Corps has also dealt with cases in Shannon, Galway and other urban centres during the day. There have been very few call-outs for night flights in rural areas.
What is my first priority? That must be the safety of the aircraft and its personnel. Most of the activity has been in the Dublin area and training is ongoing to equip personnel to handle other demands. Regarding rural flights, there are mountain ranges, quickly descending fog and other hazards to take into account. The experts will decide how much training in these areas has to be done and then report to me. I will not dictate to them.
It is unacceptable that the Garda helicopter is unavailable during the night. Is there a dispute between the Garda and the Minister's Department?
Absolutely not. The co-operation between both services is at the highest level ever.
Why is the service not being provided?
The service is in full operation, as I have indicated.
How many pilots have been trained for night flying? How long does the course take? Does it involve radar VFR and IFR flight?
We have 21 pilots in training. Needless to say, there is a comprehensive module for training which includes not just night flying but a series of other modules. I cannot say off hand if there is a specific group concentrating on that aspect of the training but off the top of my head I doubt it.
Can the Minister get some more information and circulate it?
I will get some more details.
