Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022
93. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the discussions that have taken place regarding the purchasing or leasing of a specialist troop carrying cargo aircraft for the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34176/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s priority is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible. This is primarily to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles assigned by Government, as set out in the White Paper on Defence.
In this context, the principal aim over the period of the White Paper is to replace and upgrade, as required, existing capabilities in order to retain a flexible response for a wide range of operational requirements at home and overseas.
Equipment priorities for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are being considered as part of the capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) process. A five year Equipment Development Plan for continued re-equipment was developed on a civil military basis and was published in June 2020. The Equipment Planning process recognises the need to maintain and upgrade military capabilities having regard to emerging priorities, operational requirements and changes in technology. This is an ongoing iterative process.
The development of a strategic airlift capability for the Air Corps although desirable and while at pre planning stage requires an informed approach and full consideration. It has not been prioritised in light of other equipment priorities and funding availability and no decisions have been made in respect of the purchase or leasing of aircraft in other roles such as specialist troop or cargo carrying capability.
As with all capital investment decisions, costing over €10 million, the requirements of the Public Spending Code would need to be met, covering the various steps required in assessing the viability of the proposal and those associated with relevant decision-making and potential subsequent public investment in any additional aircraft.
The White Paper provides for the replacement of the CASA 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft with larger more capable aircraft, which would enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. A contract for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft was signed with Airbus Defence and Space in December 2019. The cost of the contract, including equipment fit-out and ancillary support, is approximately €228.3 million including VAT. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2023.
The principal role of the C295 is maritime surveillance, particularly fishery protection. It also enables the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, search and rescue and a general utility role.
This investment in new Maritime Patrol Aircraft for the Air Corps, which is underpinned by the White Paper on Defence, is an indication of the Government’s commitment to ensuring that all branches of the Defence Forces continue to retain a range of flexible conventional military capabilities in order to meet the roles assigned.
