Jack Chambers
Ceist:63. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if aircraft are being serviced abroad from the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32126/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 23 July 2019
Ceisteanna (63)
Freagraí scríofa
My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps, is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable them to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
The Air Corps operate a fleet of fixed and rotary wing aircraft which provide military support to the Army and Naval Service, together with support for non-military air services such as Garda air support, air ambulance, fisheries protection and the Ministerial Air Transport Service.
As the Deputy will appreciate, in order to ensure their operational capability, all aircraft must undergo regular maintenance and scheduled overhauls to ensure they are fully airworthy and meet the certification standards laid down for the aviation industry.
I am advised that the Air Corps perform all first line maintenance across the fleet where possible, while heavy/annual maintenance is outsourced abroad, generally to the original manufacturer's facility for airframe, engine, avionics or mission equipment maintenance as required, or to an appropriately certified maintenance facility.
Question No. 64 answered with Question No. 37.