asked the Minister for Defence the amount (a) sought by and (b) paid to his Department in respect of ambulance services and mercy missions operated by the army helicopter service; and whether persons travelling in such helicopters are insured in respect of possible injury.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Helicopter Service.
31.
The amount sought by my Department in respect of the helicopter ambulance service since its inception in 1964 is £20,482 17s 2d of which £19,670 19s 1d has so far been paid.
No amounts have been sought or received in respect of "mercy" missions such as those on rescue and research operations.
Civilians travelling in Army helicopters are not insured by my Department in respect of possible injury. I understand, however, that all passengers (patients and medical attendants) authorised by health authorities to travel in Army helicopters under the arrangements for the provision of the helicopter ambulance services are covered by insurance, effected by these authorities, against possible injury.