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Air Corps

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020

Tuesday, 8 September 2020

Ceisteanna (468)

Jennifer Whitmore

Ceist:

468. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Defence if the Air Corps has or will send trainees to Alabama and other states in the United States of America for pilot training; if so, if an assessment of the risk has been carried out; if the training is deemed critical in view of the fact that wider Defence Forces training courses and exercises have been curtailed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22187/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

While the COVID-19 situation has severely impacted the capacity of the Defence Forces to carry out training courses, the military authorities have advised that training has since resumed taking public health guidelines into account.

An initiative previously agreed, namely Air Corp personnel undertaking pilot training in the US, has commenced. The purpose of this initiative is to improve capacity for training pilots in the Air Corps with the aim of returning pilot strength to full establishment.

I can confirm to the Deputy that two junior Air Corps pilots commenced a Helicopter Conversion Course in Alabama in August and it is anticipated that a further six student pilots will undertake fixed-wing pilot training, at a separate location in Alabama, in October.

The health and welfare of all Defence Forces personnel, including those overseas, remains a priority at all times. The US authorities conducted a risk assessment for the welfare and safety of their staff and of students attending the training course and this included the risks associated with COVID-19. The Air Corps has advised that this risk assessment was deemed to be satisfactory.

All Irish Air Corps personnel participating in this initiative will undergo a quarantine period on arrival in the US and will adhere strictly to all COVID guidelines and regulations prescribed by the training institutions and US Government.

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