Vol. 460 No. 3
592 Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn asked the Minister for Defence the percentage of training requirements for search and rescue operations in the event of maritime distress which is carried out along the north-west, western and south-western sea board. [19107/95]
Aircrew training for search and rescue (SAR) by Air Corps helicopters is carried out from Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, County Dublin and from Finner Camp, County Donegal.
Specifically, the SAR aircraft based at Casement carry out SAR conversion training and ongoing continuation training off the east coast. Approximately 45 per cent of training carried out for the SAR operation is conducted from Casement Aerodrome.
The helicopter based at Finner carries out aircrew continuation training, including night training, in or close to Donegal Bay. Some 55 per cent of SAR training, mainly continuity training for proficiency purposes, is conducted out of Finner Camp.
The training is not targeted for SAR operations in any particular part of the coast-line, but qualifies Air Corps personnel to carry out SAR operations in all areas with the range and operational profile of the aircraft.
The Irish Marine Emergency Service (IMES) Sikorsky helicopter based in Shannon also carries out continuous role training around the Irish coast.
