268. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence if her Department can report on the amount paid to the private contractor that is supplying an out of hours ATC service to the Irish Air Corps at Casement Aerodrome in quarter one of 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55912/26]

269. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence if her Department can outline the number of aircraft movements, including take off and landings, either by fixed or rotary wing aircraft, that have been supervised out of hours by flight information services officers under the contact supplying an out of hours ATC service to the Irish Air Corps at Casement Aerodrome in quarter one of 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55913/26]

270. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence if the out of hours ATC service that is being provided by a private contractor at Casement Aerodrome has the authority to provide instrument approach clearances to aircraft that wish to land in Casement Aerodrome who are flying under instrument flying regulations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55914/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 268 to 270, inclusive, together.

On 9 September 2025, the Department of Defence entered into a contractual agreement with an external service provider (ASG Ltd) to provide Flight Information Service Officer (FISO) services at the Aerodrome. The contract put in place, with the agreement of the military authorities, has assisted the Air Corps in restoring operational flight activities on a 24 hour 7 day a week basis from December 2025.

For reasons of operational sensitivity and national security, it is not the policy of the Department of Defence to disclose specific data regarding military aircraft movements. Disclosing a detailed breakdown of fixed or rotary wing movements during out of hours periods could compromise the operational and security protocols at the Aerodrome.

I can assure the Deputy that all contracted flight information services at the aerodrome operate under rigorous oversight. This ensures compliance with military aviation safety frameworks and maintains the operational readiness of the Defence Forces. The amount paid to the contractor in Quarter 1 this year was €544,795 (incl VAT).