Vol. 404 No. 4
149 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for the Marine when he expects to announce the award of the search and rescue helicopter contract; the experience and standards criteria which are being applied in the selection process; and the consideration which is being given to existing Irish-owned helicopter resources suitable for this task.
I shall bring to Government as soon as possible a recommendation on the award of a search and rescue helicopter contract. The experience and standards criteria governing the award of this contract are those set out in the invitation to tender and specification sent out to all prospective tenderers. All valid tenders received are being considered in accordance with these criteria.
