asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware of the serious situation caused by the delay in conveying patients from the Aran Islands to the Regional Hospital, Galway; and, if so, if he will make available a helicopter service for the people living on the islands.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Conveyance of Aran Islands' Patients.
I am aware that the arrangements for the conveyance of patients from the Aran Islands to the mainland are not completely satisfactory.
The question of ambulance facilities is one for the appropriate health authority in the first instance and I have received no proposals for the use of a helicopter from the Galway County Council. I may say, however, that I am advised that the high capital and running costs of a helicopter service for ambulance purposes would, in present circumstances, rule out the possibility of introducing such a service.
Would the Minister consider, in view of the fact that the helicopter would be used for peaceful purposes and for the sake of saving people's lives, that it would be a cheaper proposition than spending money on jet aeroplanes for destructive purposes?
The Deputy should address that to Deputy Aiken who ordered the jets.
Will the Minister consider that?
I certainly would if I had the opportunity of cancelling those jet aeroplane contracts. Unfortunately we were committed to them and had to purchase the jets.
Is it not a fact that there is already a market at the present time for the three jet planes, and the sooner they are got out of the country the better?
Does the Minister not think a helicopter would be useful to lift the hearts of the Government?