Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2017
60. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Air Corps has sufficient personnel, equipment and training to meet all emergencies as required, on land or sea, including coastal patrols and air and sea rescue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32483/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service, is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government. The Air Corps continues to provide a broad range of services on a daily basis in accordance with its primary security roles including Army and Naval Service supports, maritime patrols and fishery protection and supports in Aid to the Civil Power (ATCP). In 2016, as with all other elements of the Defence Forces, the Air Corps responded to 100% of requests for ATCP support, comprising 1,350 separate missions, and carried out 297 separate maritime patrol missions.
In addition, the Air Corps continues to undertake a diverse range of non-security related tasks such as the Emergency Aeromedical Support service, as well as inter-hospital transfers and Search and Rescue (SAR) supports which are provided in accordance with relevant Service Level Agreements.
With regard to the recruitment and training of personnel, 10 Air Corps Pilot Officer cadets are due to be inducted in Q3 2017 and there are currently 3 Cadet Classes, with 26 personnel at various stages of their Pilot Officer ‘Wings Course’. Training is on-going with three Air Corps Apprentice Aircraft Technician classes plus 12 personnel in Air Traffic Services Training.
Equipment priorities for the Air Corps are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence. The White Paper provides that the Air Corps will see the Cessna fleet replaced with three larger aircraft suitably equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance tasks. A Fixed Wing Utility Aircraft (Cessna replacement) tender competition was initiated on the 4th May with submissions received by the deadline of the 29th June. The evaluation process is now underway.
The White Paper also provides for the replacement of two CASA 235s Maritime Patrol Aircraft with larger more capable aircraft. In addition, a PC-9M aircraft to replace the aircraft lost following a fatal crash in 2009 was delivered last week at a cost of €5m plus VAT.
I am satisfied that the range of measures and initiatives being taken will enhance the resources available to the Air Corps and help to ensure that the Defence Forces can continue to fulfil all roles assigned by Government in the White Paper on Defence.
