asked the Minister for Defence the number of Ray Rider RBS70 surface to air missiles purchased by the Defence Forces; the cost of each complete with stand, sighting optics and launch container; if he is aware that according to World Missile Forecast publication that this missile would have limited operational value during inclement weather and that its guidance system is of limited utility, especially within Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

In the interests of security it is not the practice to supply information or comment of the kind sought by the Deputy.

I find the Minister's reply extraordinary. Is he aware that arising from a submission from Senator Brendan Ryan to the Committee on Public Expenditure, that the magazine, World Missile Forecast, indicated that the Ray Rider RBS70 is unsuitable for a country like Ireland because of the inclement weather we experience, can he indicate whether he considers this to be the case and assuming that the information is available anyway in military magazines, can he indicate the cost of the missiles that have been bought?

All I can add to the answer given already is that the missile weapon in question is the most suitable type for the purposes of the Defence Forces.

Is the Minister dismissing the view of a reputable publication that the missile is not suitable for countries in north-west Europe? Is he implying that this view has no validity?

That is an opinion. I have not seen the article in question and I am not prepared to comment on it.

Could I ask the Minister——

The Deputy's contribution is more appropriate to the Department of Defence Estimate.

I am seeking information.

The Deputy is putting forward an argument with which he wants the Minister to agree and that is not appropriate to questions.

The Minister has not yet expressed an opinion on this subject other than to hide behind a ruling that it is not in the interests of the security of the Defence Forces. Could the Minister tell us how much this missile cost the State as that would not be a breach of security?

In the order of £400,000.

Is that the total cost? Is it for stands, optics and so forth, or is it the cost of the missile itself?

It was a cost of that order which was paid in 1979 for the purchase of the RBS70 equipment. I have not the details as to what that encompassed but no doubt it encompassed all the equipment.

Could the Minister indicate the reasons for the long delay in taking delivery of the special helicopters which were to be acquired this year by the Department of Defence?

Difficulties have been encountered by the suppliers in complying with the Avionic specifications laid down by the Air Corps.

Will the Minister indicate whether or not two of these helicopters had been delivered and subsequently returned for adjustment?

Delivery was not taken of any of the helicopters. Some of them were made available for deck training and flight training.

Have we still got them?

No, they went to the supplier.

When will we have these eight helicopters available to the State?

We are constantly pressing the suppliers as to the urgency of complying with the orders.

It is all to do with air services.

It has to do with defence, but we cannot discuss the Department of Defence Estimate at Question Time.

I asked a question relating to the air services required by the Department of Defence and this question refers to air services.

It refers to air missiles.

They are all military services.

The Opposition spokesman is asking a question about aircraft rather than about air missiles.

Would the Minister agree that provision was made in the 1985 Estimates for these helicopters. In view of that situation when can we expect delivery?

That is a separate question.