Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 December 2013
7. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Defence in view of the recent helicopter crash in Scotland, if he will confirm if all helicopters owned and operated by the Defence Forces are fitted with flight recorders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52686/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis question relates to a recent tragic police helicopter crash in Glasgow. I extend my sympathies to the people involved. Are the State’s helicopters in the Defence Forces and elsewhere fitted with flight recorders to assist in the event of a flight accident?
In the context of the incident to which the Deputy referred, I express my condolences and the condolences of all Members of the House to the relatives of those whose lives were lost during that tragic accident.
The Air Corps operate a fleet of eight helicopters, two light utility EC 135 helicopters used in the main for pilot training and six utility AW 139 helicopters used for general purpose military operational and training. In addition, the Air Corps provides pilots to fly the two EC 135 helicopters operated for an Garda Síochána-related activities. All helicopters in our fleet, including those used by the Garda air support unit, are fitted with flight recorders and this has been the case since they were originally acquired. The provision of such recording equipment in our helicopters is a standard requirement of our Defence Forces.
A report will be issued on the investigation into the recent accident in Glasgow to the Glasgow police force and the UK’s Ministry of Defence. Will the Minister liaise with his colleagues in Britain to see if anything can be learned from this incident for Irish operations? Unfortunately, in the recent past there was a tragic incident involving an Irish helicopter with a loss of life. If changes need to be made from a Defence Forces, Garda or civil aviation point of view, then they could come from this investigation.
I want to be associated with the expressions of sympathy. An Irish Helicopters chopper crashed several years ago in my parish, a mile from my house. Unfortunately, there was a loss of life but thankfully it did not crash into buildings and cause further loss of life.
The Eurocopter has a good safety record and is used by many police forces across the world. Are there plans to have more air inspections? Do we have an adequate number of Garda helicopters?
If there are lessons to be learned from the tragedy in Scotland, we will seek to learn them. I have no doubt the Scottish authorities will be publishing a report on the outcome of the crash investigation which we will be able to access.
My officials can communicate with the Scottish authorities on any issues that arise and might be relevant to us. There are no plans to acquire any additional helicopter supports for the Garda Síochána.
