Sir, – Yours news report "Republic working hard to evacuate citizens from Afghanistan" (August 17th) highlights once again the need for a military airlift capability for the Air Corps. The inability to repatriate citizens in crisis situations is simply unacceptable and avoidable. Not long ago members of the Defence Forces were stranded in Mali, again due to our lack of military air transport. The Government needs to equip and resource the Defence Forces adequately and provide them with the means to undertake such emergency missions. There are plenty of suitable used aircraft currently available. The RAF is disposing of C130 transport aircraft, which would be ideal for us. Instead of the Department of Foreign Affairs trying to hitch a ride for Irish citizens with the air forces of other countries, the Government should resource the Defence Forces properly and enable them to undertake such missions. – Yours, etc,
CONOR HOGARTY,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.