I thank the committee for facilitating this discussion on the motion. I take the opportunity to outline the background to it and answer any questions members may have.
On 6 April the Government authorised the Minister for Defence to enter into a memorandum of understanding with Austria on a weapons systems certification testing programme for the Pilatus training aircraft being acquired by the Air Corps. Its approval was subject to the Dáil. Pursuant to the Government's decision, the following motion has been placed on the Dáil Order Paper:
That Dáil Éireann approves of the Minister for Defence entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Austria, which relates to a weapons systems certification testing programme for the Pilatus Training aircraft for the Irish Air Corps.
In commending this motion to the Dáil, I will outline the background to this requirement.
Following a tender competition, a contract was signed on 16 January 2003 for the supply of eight turbo propeller aircraft for the Air Corps. The total value of the contract is €60 million approximately, inclusive of VAT. The newer aircraft will replace the Marchetti aircraft which are 25 years old in the pilot training role. The aircraft type is a Pilatus PC-9M manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft Limited, Switzerland. The aircraft will allow for the continued training of young cadets to the highest standard and are seen as a very realistic response to the needs of the Air Corps and the Defence Forces at this time. I am pleased to inform the committee that delivery of the aircraft has commenced with three of the aircraft arriving at Casement Aerdrome, Baldonnel on 21 April this year. The other five are scheduled for delivery in the coming months.
While the aircraft have been obtained primarily for pilot training, they will be capable of being armed. Similar to the Marchetti aircraft, they will have limited defensive capability. The armaments being provided are twin 0.5" calibre gun pods and two 2.75" rocket launchers.
The weapons system has to be subject to a detailed certification programme to be carried out on one of the eight aircraft involved. Certification will follow through to the other aircraft. Due to Swiss law, Pilatus Aircraft Limited is not in a position to carry out the weapons integration and certification in Switzerland. Neither is there any in-house capability in the Defence Forces to carry out the certification programme. Following inquiries, it has been ascertained that theAustrian Ministry of Defence is willing to support Pilatus and the Air Corps with the necessary technical information and expertise to carry out the certification, subject to a memorandum of understanding being agreed between Austria and Ireland. The Austrian air force operates Pilatus aircraft and has experience of the type of weapon systems involved. It is now tentatively agreed, subject to the signing of the memorandum of understanding, that the one aircraft to be used for the certification programme could depart Switzerland for Austria in the near future where it will remain until July this year.
The memorandum of understanding is to allow for a weapon systems certification testing programme with the aircraft which will consist of ground firing, air to ground firing and jettison tests taking place in Austria by the Austrian air force with the approval of the Austrian Minister for Defence. Air Corps, ordnance corps and departmental personnel will be in attendance as deemed necessary during the certification programme, the purpose of which is to carry out in a controlled environment the necessary testing, data gathering and analysis to ensure the fullest compatibility between the weapons suite and the aircraft as specified and delivered. The programme will identify and address issues which impact on the accuracy, reliability and safety of the complete weapons environment comprising the aircraft weapons suite and range area.
Within the provisions of the memorandum of understanding, the Austrian participants will facilitate the entry into and the departure from Austria of the aircraft and its weapons, ammunition and other material as well as the personnel of the Irish programme acceptance party in connection with the programme; provide all facilities, support and services necessary for the programme; and provide Austrian armed forces personnel for additional training to support the programme.
The Irish programme acceptance party will include members of the Air Corps, ordnance corps, departmental representatives and the Swiss contractor, Pilatus Aircraft Limited. The Irish participants will provide the aircraft, support and services necessary, as well as plan, lead and co-ordinate the programme, including the recording and evaluation of the results; assume responsibility for any damage and third party liability which may directly arise from any activity in connection with the programme and indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Republic of Austria from and against all damages, claims, suits and liabilities resulting or arising from or in relation to the activities of the Irish programme acceptance party and the Austrian participants personnel under the memorandum of understanding, excluding gross negligence and/or intent.
The aircraft associated with the equipment certification programme will be placed on the Irish military register prior to certification testing in Austria. This raises issues of insurance and liability with Pilatus with regard to the aircraft and possible third party claims. In this regard, Pilatus is accepting full liability for any claims that may arise during the testing programme and has provided confirmation of the necessary insurance cover for my Department.
The costs associated with the equipment certification programme have been provided for in respect of the contract between Pilatus Aircraft Limited, Switzerland and the Minister for Defence, which, as I have stated, is valued at €60 million, inclusive of VAT. The testing programme will take two months to complete. Unfortunately, the airbase will not be available after 15 July. It is desirable, therefore, that the memorandum of understanding is signed as soon as possible in order that the testing programme can begin. It is proposed that a senior official in my Department who is dealing with the overall contract with Pilatus will sign the memorandum of understanding.