asked the Minister for Defence the number of times in the past six months that helicopters were called out on rescue work, and the instances in which they were involved.
64.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Helicopter Service.
63.
asked the Minister for Defence if he will give particulars of the trial flight proposed by the helicopter service which is considered necessary to keep it in a state of readiness for emergency calls.
65.
asked the Minister for Defence the number of helicopters there are at present; where they are situated; and the number of personnel operating them, distinguishing between the various ranks.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 63, 64 and 65 together.
My Department has two helicopters at present. They are based at Baldonnel Aerodrome, County Dublin and there are one ceannfort, three lefteanaint, one sáirsint and five ceannairí concerned with their operation. In order to keep in a state of readiness for emergency calls, the operating personnel require about 15 hours' flying training each per month. Since the helicopters arrived at Baldonnel at the end of Samhain, 1963, they were sent out on rescue work on two occasions, namely:—
(1) on 23 Nollaig, 1963, to search for the crew of a French trawler off the west coast; and
(2) on 3 Eanáir, 1964, to bring a woman (maternity case) from Inishturk to the County Hospital, Castlebar.
In addition, on 22 Aibreán, 1964, a helicopter brought a medical ventilator from Dublin to the County Hospital in Sligo where it was required very urgently for a patient.
In view of the fact that on each occasion the helicopters were used they were used in the west, would the Minister now consider basing a helicopter in the west in future?
I understand there are technical difficulties. I have been informed that it is necessary to keep three helicopters together if one is to be continuously available.