Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 April 2026
183. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the original and revised delivery timelines for replacement aircraft programmes, including the C295 maritime patrol aircraft and H145 helicopters; the reasons for any delays; and the oversight structures in place to ensure delivery within agreed timelines. [27816/26]
View answerThe Department of Defence ensures that there is an appropriate focus on good practice in purchasing and that procedures are in place to ensure compliance with all relevant guidelines, including oversight structures to ensure that projects are delivered in accordance with agreed timelines. The procurement of goods and services by the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces is carried out in accordance with public procurement policy and national and European Union law and expenditure is made in accordance with Public Financial procedures.
Procedures are in place in respect of defence expenditure to provide a forum for oversight, approval and review in accordance with the Public Spending Code Infrastructure Guidelines. Specifically, a High Level Planning and Procurement Group (HLPPG), comprising of senior civil and military management of the Department of Defence and the Defence Forces, and an associated Working Group, meet on a monthly basis to evaluate all relevant procurement matters. Purchasing procedures in the Defence Organisation are kept under constant review to support good procurement practice, project management and good corporate governance.
The two Airbus C295 Military Patrol Aircraft were delivered in June and October 2023 respectively. A third Airbus C295 in a military transport specification was delivered in October 2025. The Dassault Falcon 6X strategic reach aircraft was delivered in December 2025. These deliveries were made on schedule in accordance with the projected timeframes.
Expected delivery of the four H145M Helicopters will be phased over 2027 and 2028, beginning in March 2027. This project remains on schedule.
