Department defends €3m blunder on Chad helicopters

THE Department of Defence failed to inspect two helicopters when it spent €3 million hiring the aircraft which proved unable to carry soldiers for an EU mission in Chad.

Shocked TDs were also told the Irish army only became aware of the embarrassing mistake when Dutch troops pointed out the contract blunder.

However, department secretary general Michael Howard defended the transport of troops and equipment for the central African peacekeeping mission, and said overall so far it had been “successful”.