asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether arising out of a reply of 16th November on the subject of the provision of a helicopter rescue service in which he stated that the cost of such a service would be in a range of £100,000 per annum, he will state if he would be prepared to avail of a hired helicopter service for rescue and ambulance work if such were available at a reasonable price.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hired Helicopter Service.
44.
In the event of such a helicopter service becoming available, I would be prepared to have its use for rescue services carefully examined on its merits in the light of its effectiveness and cost.
Will the Minister be prepared to consider offers from outside sources in relation to the provision of a helicopter service?
We have examined one offer that was made to us and we are willing at any time to examine offers by private companies in relation to this.
Has the Minister had any private offers?
There was one private offer.
Recently?
Not recently.
In the past year?
Yes, within the past two years, we had the offer of a private service, but it was not a satisfactory offer. It did not enable a rescue service to be provided all round the country.
We are relying on the service across the water.