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.