Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 82: To ask the Minister for Defence the amount of money raised by the recent sale of six Air Corps Alouette helicopters; the way this money will be used; if he is satisfied that the sale represents value for money; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1999/10]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The six Air Corps Alouette Helicopters, special tools and spare parts were sold in 2009 following an open tender competition to a French company, Mat Aviation, for €1.431 million. The sale of the helicopters followed on from a tender competition which was advertised on the Department of Finance's e-tender website. The tender documents were also available from the Department of Defence website and the details of the tender competition were also advertised in Flight International magazine.

The records show that over 60 sets of tender documents issued from the Department in connection with the competition and that a total of 12 tenders were received. The tender from MAT Aviation was accepted as it presented the best offer from the monetary perspective. The money received from MAT Aviation was received in the Department and lodged to the Appropriations-in-Aid of the Department's Vote. I am satisfied that the tendering procedures used in the sale of the Alouette Helicopters were open and transparent and in line with best practice. The price received for the equipment was a fair price given the age and status of the helicopters.