Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Feb 2002

Vol. 548 No. 3

Written Answers. - Defence Forces Equipment.

Richard Bruton

Question:

50 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence his plans to purchase new troop and equipment-carrying aircraft; the aircraft available for such use by the Defence Forces; and his views on whether this position is satisfactory. [4793/02]

Billy Timmins

Question:

69 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the plans he has for investment in equipment for the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4807/02]

Phil Hogan

Question:

78 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Defence the Defence Forces' capability to carry troops and equipment by aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4806/02]

Phil Hogan

Question:

96 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Defence his plans to purchase troop and equipment carrying-aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4805/02]

Alan Shatter

Question:

124 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Defence his plans to purchase new troop and equipment-carrying aircraft; the aircraft available for such use by the Defence Forces; and his views on whether the position is satisfactory. [4873/02]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 50, 69, 78, 96 and 124 together.

The Air Corps at present has 17 fixed wing aircraft and 13 helicopters, which are used for the following purposes: (a) seven Siai-Marchetti SF 260W aircraft of Italian manufacture which are being used for basic pilot training; (b) six Cessna aircraft of American design and French manufacture are held – these are Army co-operation aircraft with some offensive – air to ground – capability and with training capability; (c) one Beech Super Kingair twin-engined turbo-prop aircraft, which is used for backup to the minis terial air transport service and for twin-engined pilot training; (d) one Gulfstream IV aircraft was acquired in December 1991 for the transport of Ministers and officials – it was leased for ten years from 1991 and was purchased in December 2001 on termination of lease; (e) two CASA CN 235 aircraft, which are used mainly for fishery surveillance purposes; (f) seven Alouette III helicopters are held. They are used for search and rescue, air ambulance and other services and have proved valuable in security operations; (g) two Gazelle helicopters, which are used for pilot training; (h) four SA 365F Dauphin helicopters, which are used for search and rescue.

The Air Corps does not have a troop or equipment transport capability at present. However, the contract to be placed this year for the supply of medium-range helicopters for search and rescue will include an option to purchase a further two such helicopters for general purpose military transport. The trainer aircraft presently available to the Air Corps are over 20 years old. The question of the acquisition of new training aircraft for the Air Corps has been under consideration by my Department for some time. Tender documents have been prepared and it is intended to seek quotations for such aircraft this year.