Vol. 459 No. 3
182 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Defence if he will confirm that there is no night-time search and rescue capacity from Baldonnel due to the lack of an adequate helicopter; his views on whether the 33 year old Alouette helicopter is in urgent need of replacement by a Dauphin or similar craft with night flying capability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18191/95]
The following Air Corps resources are dedicated for search and rescue purposes as part of the overall SAR arrangements: an Alouette III helicopter and crew of three, located at Baldonnel for daylight search and rescue operations — the response time is 15 minutes from receipt of call; and a Dauphin SA 365F helicopter and crew of four, located at Finner Camp, County Donegal, on 24-hour call for search and rescue — the response time from receipt of call is 15 minutes by day and 45 minutes by night. In addition to the foregoing, and subject to operational commitments and serviceability, additional Air Corps helicopters and fixed wing aircraft may be available for search and rescue operations.
183 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Defence the current and establishment numbers for Air Corps search and rescue crews; the number of trained search and rescue crews receiving flying pay along with the number of trained search and rescue crews not receiving flying pay; if a discrepancy exists, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18192/95]
The establishment for search and rescue aircrew provides for a total of 22 noncommissioned personnel. The current strength of qualified search and rescue aircrew is 25, of whom 22 are in receipt of flying pay. Under Defence Force regulations flying pay is payable only to qualified personnel who are filling vacancies in the establishment.
