Vol. 543 No. 5
128 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the Garda air support unit; if the unit is operational at night time; and the plans in this regard to provide air support to the Garda Síochána when required on a 24 hour, seven day a week basis. [26116/01]
445 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the Garda air support unit; if it is operational at night time; and the plans there are to provide air support to the Garda Síochána when required on a 24 hour, seven day a week basis. [27689/01]
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 128 and 445 together.
The Garda air support unit currently operates an immediate response capability between the hours of 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily, with an on-call response of 45 minutes outside of these hours.
Due to safety recommendations by the air accident investigation unit, night operations over rural areas have been suspended since 26 August 1999 until a programme of night flying training has been completed by the current Air Corps helicopter pilots assigned to the Garda air support unit.
The addition of the second helicopter which is due to be delivered shortly will extend the coverage that can be provided.
