Vol. 397 No. 5
74 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Defence if there have been any incidents where helicopters engaged in air/sea rescue have had to return without being able to complete a rescue or search; and if he has carried out a full investigation into any such incidents.
Over the years there has been a number of instances where Air Corps helicopters were forced to abandon air sea rescue missions due either to severe weather conditions or a technical fault developing in the aircraft. Since 1 January, 1988 there were six such incidents, three due to severe weather conditions, two due to technical faults in the aircraft and one due to a combination of severe weather and a technical fault.
75 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Defence if he has any plans to buy a Sea King type helicopter or other larger type helicopter in order to provide a better air/sea rescue service.
76 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to the concern among members of the Air Corps as to the suitability of the helicopters at present being used for air/sea rescue with particular reference to the length of time the helicopters can remain in the air without having to refuel.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 76 together.
The Dauphin helicopters were acquired primarily as a replacement for the Alouette III helicopters which have been operated by the Air Corps since 1963. The Alouettes are basically fair weather machines which cannot operate in circumstances of reduced visibility or at night and are limited in their operations over the sea because they are single engined aircraft.
77 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Defence the number of Dauphin type helicopters which are at present used by the Air Corps in relation to air/sea rescue.
The five Dauphin helicopters operated by the Air Corps are used for air/sea rescue purposes and for other purposes from time to time such as training, air ambulance, etc. Two of the Dauphin helicopters have been used in conjunction with the LE Eithne.
