Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2024
133. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if there are plans to purchase Boeing Chinook HC6 type of helicopter for the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28107/24]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the capabilities of the Defence Forces are maintained, developed and enhanced in order to ensure that the Defence Forces can carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government.
New rotary wing capabilities are currently being advanced in the context of the Equipment Development Planning process, and to this end, the various work packages under the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces have commenced which will inform future investment decisions.
There are no plans at present to purchase Boeing Chinook HC-6 type helicopters for the Air Corps.
