Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
116. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if reports (details supplied), despite commitments to the contrary, that Ireland is to purchase military equipment from Israel are accurate; if so, to detail all equipment to be purchased and the value thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3081/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the then Tánaiste’s instruction that there should be no procurement of defensive equipment from Israel based on the ICJ advisory opinion of 19 July 2024, the Department has included provisions in its tender documentation regarding the right to reject offers from third countries on defence and security grounds, in line with the Commission guidance on the procurement of defensive equipment under Directive 2009/18/EU.
The Department of Defence recently signed contracts in December 2024 with Airbus Helicopters UK for the provision of four H145 light utility helicopters which will be manufactured by Airbus in Germany. While the Department does not comment on systems fitted to Air Corps aircraft for operational reasons, the H145 rotary wing aircraft comes fitted with the Helionix Avionics Suite, an avionics solution which is proprietary to Airbus. Avionics systems are fitted on all modern civil and military aircraft to assist pilots to fly the aircraft safely and are not military specific.
