Vol. 416 No. 1
98 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence if he will give details of the number of hours that the helicopters with maritime capabilities have operated from vessels in the Naval Service, since 1989; and if he will make a statement on the matter having regard to (1) training, (2) facilities and (3) the availability of trained personnel.
There are two Dauplin helicopters equipped to operate from the Naval Service helicopter patrol vessel LE Eithne.
In the period from 1989 to date Dauphin activity with LE Eithne has taken place on 42 occasions. The duration of the activity was 171 hours 40 minutes.
Since late 1991, the Dauphin has operated from LE Eithne on fishery protection surveillance activities. While aboard LE Eithne the Dauphin is used to extend the surveillance range of the ship and is tasked to search out and locate fishing vessels to determine the legality of their activities. In this regard, the Dauphins have been credited with assisting in the recent detention of eight illegal fishing vessels. The Dauphin while embarked on the ship is also available for search and rescue purposes.
Training of Air Corps/Naval Service personnel on ship/heli operations is an ongoing process and is advancing at a satisfactory rate. Adequate Air Corps crews are available for naval support operations. Additionally, a programme is in place to ensure the maximum availability of one or other of the two Naval Service Dauphin variants for operation with LE Eithne.
