Sir, - I am alarmed at recent media reports concerning the competition for the supply of the long-awaited helicopters to the Air Corps.
The Minister of Defence has requested a "best and final price" from the potential suppliers. A Department official is also quoted as stating that "all four aircraft meet the technical requirements" and that it is now down to "strictly price".
This is patent nonsense, as helicopters all have differing capabilities - some are more suited to a task than others. In fact two of the competing aircraft are built by the same manufacturer but with different specifications.
The most important of the various intended uses for these helicopters is search and rescue, largely in the hostile, dangerous and difficult Atlantic. The traditional tender requirement was for a range of up to the 200-mile limit. This is no longer sufficient. Shipping and exploration do not stop at 200 miles, and since Ireland issues licences for exploration to the edge of the continental shelf, the State has a responsibility out to this limit. Indeed, a process is already under way at the UN-sponsored Law of the Sea conference to extend our territorial limits out to 350 miles. This alone would make any helicopter with less than 350-mile range obsolete in a very short time and therefore an extremely expensive option. Add to this the huge safety advantages and increased operational capabilities that an aircraft, which may cost even 30 per cent more, can deliver.
It is imperative that the State ensures that these badly needed helicopters have the capabilities to meet our expanding requirements over their expected 20- to 30-year lifespan. The Department of Defence has a responsibility to the Air Corps crews - and to the poor unfortunates who may find themselves in difficulties to provide them with the best equipment available. They also have a responsibility to the Navy whose tasks include patrolling the marine designated area. - Yours, etc.,
Tom McBennett, Wyattville Park, Loughlinstown, Co Dublin.
