Vol. 406 No. 8
12 Mr. McCartan asked the Minister for the Marine the value of the contract awarded to Irish Helicopters for the operation of a helicopter search and rescue service; the number of helicopters involved; where they will be stationed; the capacity and range of the service; the arrangements which are being made to ensure that the helicopter crews receive adequate training; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
(Limerick West): On 27 February I announced that the Government had approved the acceptance of a tender from Irish Helicopters Ltd., a subsidiary of Aer Lingus, for the provision of a search and rescue helicopter service to be based at Shannon, subject to contract. Until the formal contract document has been signed, I am precluded from discussing the terms of same other than to say that a Sikorsky S61N aircraft modified to permit safe operation in extreme weather conditions is to be provided by the contractors. The helicopter will be capable of rescuing up to 15 survivors within a 200 nautical mile radius and of carrying more over shorter distances.
In relation to training, I wish to assure the Deputy that, in addition to the normal training, crew members will be required to complete a search and rescue role-training requirement agreed between my Department and the Department of Tourism and Transport.
Can I take it from the Minister's reply that there is only one helicopter involved in this service, and if not, can he state how many are involved? While I appreciate the point the Minister made regarding contracts not having been signed yet, will he confirm whether a recent newspaper report that the contract was of the order of £15 million for a five year period is reasonably close to the mark?
(Limerick West): There is just one aircraft involved with, of course back-up facilities. The Government have agreed to provide upwards of £2.7 million to finance the contract cost in 1991 and to bring the Irish marine emergency service into being.
Will the Minister say whether the resources being made available will enable the helicopter service to contract for the most advanced technological and surveillance equipment which will be needed for the type of emergency services they should run? In relation to the numbers of passengers or survivors for which the service will cater, have designated medical centres been set up where the helicopter can land survivors with the least possible delay?
(Limerick West): Yes, all the necessary back-up services and finance necessary for the full implementation of the service will be provided. As I said, a sum of £2.7 million is being provided in 1991 and the helicopter will be capable of rescuing up to 15 survivors within a 200 nautical mile radius and of carrying more passengers within a shorter distance.
What capabilities do Irish Helicopters have which the Irish Air Corps do not have? We were led to believe that the Dauphin helicopters were the be-all and end-all where air-sea rescue is concerned. What is lacking in the Dauphin helicopter?
(Limerick West): The Dauphin helicopter has a limited range; the new helicopter will have a medium range. Of course, the Air Corps will play a crucial role in this service but, because of expanding demands on them, including increased fishery surveillance as requested by Deputy Sheehan and the expansion of the search and rescue services at Dublin, Cork and Finner, it is not possible for the Air Corps to deal with all matters and expanding demand on the service.
