Vol. 405 No. 4
46 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine if the Government have expressed their appreciation to the crews of the RAF helicopters who repeatedly risk their lives rescuing seamen off our coast; and, if not, if they will now do so publicly.
My Department have an observer on the United Kingdom Search and Rescue Committee, which brings together representatives of all the main British search and rescue agencies; including the RAF.
My representative has taken the opportunity at the half-yearly meetings of the UK Search and Rescue Committee to express to the RAF officers present my appreciation of the assistance the crews of the RAF helicopters have given to persons in distress in Irish waters.
I would like to take this opportunity to repeat in this forum my appreciation of the dedication and sheer professionalism of the RAF crews involved.
