Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 May 2000

Vol. 520 No. 1

Written Answers. - Rescue Missions.

Billy Timmins

Question:

131 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Defence the number of occasions the Air Corps search and rescue service was called to assist in rescues at St. Kevin's Bed, Glendalough, County Wicklow for the years from 1995 to 1999; the cost of these operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15384/00]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

In the period from 1995 to June 1998 the following missions were flown in the Glendalough area:–

Year	Number ofMissions	PeopleAssisted	FlightHours
1995	5.00	9.00	7.00
1996	1.00	1.00	1.00
1997	1.00	1.00	1.4
1998	3.00	3.00	6.2

East coast search and rescue was undertaken by a civil contractor with effect from 1 July 1998 at which time the Air Corps search and rescue operation was deployed to Waterford.

The direct cost per flying hour of the Dauphin helicopters which were involved in these missions is currently estimated at £1,425 per hour.