asked the Minister for Transport and Power what steps have been taken and are to be taken by Aer Lingus and by the Irish airports to ensure by practice exercises, regular communication, interchange of information and all other feasible methods, that in the event of the descent of an aircraft through accident into the sea near the cost sea rescue services will immediately be available with an accurate idea of the kind of task before them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Search and Rescue Services.
61.
The Search and Rescue Services in Ireland for aircraft in distress are provided in accordance with the relevant standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Overall co-ordination of search and rescue efforts are the responsibility of the Shannon Search and Rescue Co-ordination Centre. Detailed emergency procedures have been drawn up and promulgated to all the parties who may be concerned in search and rescue operations.
In cases where an aircraft descends into the sea the Marine Search and Rescue Co-ordination Centre operated by the Naval Service at Haulbowline plays a special role in co-ordinating the marine rescue services who may be concerned.
The different official services which may be concerned in search and rescue operations carry out appropriate exercises at regular intervals. Overall co-ordination however is governed by the detailed emergency procedures.