asked the Minister for Justice (a) the number of requests made by the Garda for Air Corps helicopters in each of the years 1970 to 1979 inclusive, (b) the costs of these services in each year, (c) the manner in which such charges are set, and when they were last set and (d) if private aircraft, helicopters, commercial, foreign, or other craft were hired in the same period, and if so, if he will give the details.
Written Answers. - Use of Air Corps Helicopters.
207.
The number of requests made by the Garda for the services of Air Corps helicopters in each of the years 1970 to 1979 was as follows:
|
Year |
Number of |
|
requests |
|
|
1970 |
15 |
|
1971 |
22 |
|
1972 |
21 |
|
1973 |
57 |
|
1974 |
111 |
|
1975 |
107 |
|
1976 |
145 |
|
1977 |
151 |
|
1978 |
142 |
|
1979 |
176 |
Particulars of the cost of these services to the Garda Síochána are not readily available as separate records of such costs are not maintained.
In accordance with standing arrangements relating to the use of Air Corps helicopters on behalf of Government Departments, the only expenses paid by my Department in respect of the services of Air Corps helicopters are expenses such as the cost of fuel and subsistence expenses of the crews. These expenses are paid on the basis of the current cost of fuel and current rates of subsistence allowance. No charge is made where Air Corps helicopters are requisitioned by Gardaí to assist in cases such as mountain and sea searches or rescues, which the Department of Defence regard as public rather than Garda duty.
Helicopters were hired from private or foreign sources on three occasions during 1979 and for security reasons I do not propose to give details.