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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 16 Jun 1994

Vol. 443 No. 9

Written Answers. - RAF Air/Sea Rescue Arrangements.

Paul Bradford

Question:

29 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the proposals by the British Government to reduce the level of air/sea rescue services in the Irish Sea, particularly the possible removal of Sea King helicopters from Brawdy; and the steps, if any, he will take to ensure that these proposals, if implemented, will not impact on the safety of Irish vessels in that area.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

30 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to reports that the British authorities intend to withdraw a number of helicopters which provide air/sea rescue cover for parts of the Irish Sea; if his Department has undertaken any assessment of the possible implications of this move for safety on the Irish Sea; the plans, if any, he has to increase the level of helicopter cover from the Irish side; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I propose taking Questions Nos. 29 and 30 together.

On 21 October 1992, the UK Government announced revised RAF search and rescue coverage arrangements for the UK area of responsibility in the Irish Sea which will take effect in July, 1994. These arrangements will bring higher capacity, faster helicopters into service and involve closure of bases including RAF Brawdy in South Wales, from where 24 hours Sea King helicopter coverage will be transferred to RAF Chivenor in Devon.

Deputies will appreciate that there is a long history of close co-operation between all Irish search and rescue services and their UK counterparts. Close liasion is maintained with the UK search and rescue agencies at operational level, and formally through being represented respectively on each other's national search and rescue committees. The degree of co-operation reflects the mutual interest in providing the most effective search and rescue capability in these islands. It is also in line with international obligations which require neighbouring states to co-operate closely in marine search and rescue.
The Irish authorities were aware therefore that the provision of RAF search and rescue helicopters was under review. Prior notification of the planned changes was formally conveyed in 1992 through the usual inter-governmental channels. The implications of the proposed redeployment of UK helicopter resources have been assessed by the Irish Marine Emergency Service of the Department. I am satisfied, on the basis of that advice, that there are on balance no adverse implications for coverage in the Irish search and rescue area.
I am also satisfied that the current deployment of Irish search and rescue helicopter services enables us to meet our national and international obligations. I am keeping the service under very close review however.
A 24 hour coverage is provided by the Sikorsky helicopter based at Shannon which is operated by the Irish Marine Emegency Service of the Department, together with Air Corps Dauphin helicopter based at Finner, County Donegal. An additional Air Corps Alouette helicopter based at Baldonnel provides day time cover.
Since coming into service in 1991, the Department's helicopter has completed over 300 missions and saved over 200 lives. Deputies will be interested to note that last year it was necessary to seek assistance from the RAF helicopter service on one occasion only. Since 1991 the Department's helicopter has provided assistance to the UK authorities on at least eight occasions. This mutual co-operation will continue.
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