Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 July 2021
171. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Defence if he or his officials have spoken either in person or virtually to the head of a company (details supplied) since the contract was signed with the company in 2019 to provide aircraft to the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38189/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe contract to purchase two Airbus C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft was signed in December 2019 on behalf of the then Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr Paul Kehoe, T.D. by the former Secretary General, Mr Maurice Quinn and the former Assistant Secretary General, Mr Des Dowling. There have been no official meetings with the person (details supplied) since I was appointed as Minister for Defence in June 2020 or with my predecessor since the contract was signed in 2019.
However, there is ongoing regular engagement at Programme Manager level between the civil and military joint project team officials in my Department and members of the Air Corps with the project team members in Airbus Defence and Space. I am advised that work is progressing on the manufacturing and fit out of the new aircraft and the project is on track with delivery scheduled for 2023.
