asked the Minister for Defence the circumstances in which military vehicles or helicopters are made available for commercial purposes.

It is not the normal practice to make military vehicles available for the such purposes. Army helicopters are only made available for commercial purposes when helicopter operators cannot supply them.

11.

asked the Minister for Defence if he will confirm that all users of Air Corps helicopters, including the health boards and the Gardaí, pay for the use of them at a standard rate; and why a free security service is provided for the banks, when the health boards have to pay for emergency services.

Charges for Army helicopters are made only when they are provided for commercial purposes.

With effect from 1 January 1980, no charges are being made on health boards for Army helicopters provided under the air ambulance service.

With regard to the last part of the question, the Defence Forces, when requested, give assistance to the Garda Síochána in security operations, including operations involving the movements of large amounts of cash. As on such occasions the Defence Forces are acting in aid of the civil power the question of making a charge for such operations is not a matter for my Department.

Did I understand from the Minister's reply that this service would be available to health boards free of charge from 1 January next?

No, from January 1980.

There will be no further charge for any kind of security services provided by the Army, Air Corps or Naval Service?

I was referring to charges to health boards. I will repeat the relevant portion of the question:

With effect from 1 January 1980, no charges are being made on health boards for Army helicopters provided under the air ambulance service.

Could the Minister give an indication of the hourly rate at which helicopters are charged when commercial rates are not charged?

Question No. 12.

The Minister mentioned charges in the case of commercial activities. Are these rates reviewed and, if so, how regularly?

I am afraid I could not answer that off the cuff but I shall let the Deputy have the information.

12.