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.