Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2022
404. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence if he has undertaken a review of the operation to evacuate Irish citizens from Kabul in Afghanistan; if a review, if any, examined the mode of transport that was required to facilitate the Army Ranger Wing trip to Afghanistan; if he is satisfied that a future purchase of enhanced airlift capabilities for the Air Corps is a necessity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51881/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe operation to evacuate Irish citizens from Kabul in August 2021 was carried out by an Emergency Civil Assistance Team (ECAT) led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and supported by Defence Forces personnel.
The goal of the ECAT Mission was to provide consular advice and assistance, including by assisting in the safe evacuation of the Irish citizens and dependants that had been identified. With the support of ECAT, 26 Irish citizens and residents were successfully supported to evacuate Afghanistan.
The post mission review covered all aspects of the operation, including transportation. The ECAT received transport assistance from our EU partners, France and Finland. It is not unusual for small countries such as ours to receive this type of support from larger partners in relation to overseas deployments and crisis management scenarios.
With regard to enhanced airlift capabilities for the Air Corps, my priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained to the greatest extent possible in order 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.
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 principal role of the C295 is maritime surveillance, particularly fishery protection. It will also enable 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. The cost of the contract, including equipment fit-out and ancillary support, is approximately €228.3 million including VAT and the aircraft are scheduled for delivery next year. These aircraft when delivered will provide enhanced airlift capabilities for the Air Corps.
Notwithstanding the recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces to enhance the Air Corps fleet with the addition of a fixed wing aircraft with strategic reach capability, no decisions have yet been made in respect of the purchase of aircraft in other roles such as strategic airlift /strategic reach capability.
In line with the approach to proposals for major acquisitions and the Public Spending Code, the assessment of a proposal to acquire a large aircraft includes consideration of the overall investment rationale.
