I propose to take Questions Nos. 9 and 10 together.
The recruitment of a director for the marine emergency service is a matter for the Civil Service Commissioners. I understand from their Office that they hope to advertise the post next week.
I am happy to inform the House that the Government have approved the acceptance of a tender for the provision of a search and rescue helicopter service at Shannon. Subject to agreement on the detail of the contract, regulatory clearance and the provision of necessary support facilities, I hope that the helicopter service can commence as soon as the necessary regulatory approvals are in place. I expect that to be in the course of summer 1991. While the invitation to tender requested plans for a January 1991 commencement, it was clear that none of the tenderers could meet that deadline if prudent requirements for airport facilities, training and familiarisation of crew are to be observed.
I agree with Deputy O'Sullivan that the Air Corps have an excellent record of service in helicopter operations. The Government intend to extend the Air Corps search and rescue service by deploying Dauphin helicopters to Finner, Co. Donegal, and Cork. The mediumrange contract helicopter service will supplement, not supplant, the Air Corps service by providing a service beyond the range of the Dauphin helicopter. In my view, therefore, it is wrong to characterise the contract arrangement as privatisation. The Review Group on Air/Sea Rescue Services recommended as an interim measure that a contract helicopter be hired because of the delay inherent in purchase and delivery of an aircraft for Air Corps use.