Vol. 527 No. 4
53 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to comments made by the widow of one of the Air Corps officers killed in the Tramore helicopter crash in a newspaper interview (details supplied) in which she was critical of the Government's response to the inquiry into the crash; his response to the comments made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28686/00]
57 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Defence if the proposed Air Corps air safety office has now been appointed; the personnel and resources that will be available to the office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28683/00]
63 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence the progress made to date in the implementation of the recommendations of the report of the air accident investigations unit into the crash of an Air Corps helicopter in Tramore in July 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28681/00]
67 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Defence if Waterford Airport is providing a 24 hour search and rescue service; and if the safety recommendations of the final report of the air accident investigation unit have been implemented. [28631/00]
74 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence when the proposed air operations safety audit within the Air Corps will commence; when it is likely to be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28682/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53, 57, 63, 67 and 74 together.
I would like, once again, to take this opportunity to offer my sincere sympathies to the families of those involved in the tragic accident at Tramore on 2 July 1999. As Deputy Gilmore will be aware, in addition to the Air Accident Investigation Unit Report following the accident a Military Court of Inquiry was convened to inquire into the cause and circumstances of the accident. Its main thrust will be an examination of both the final report of the Air Accident Investigation Unit and the coroner's report. The Military Court of Inquiry, which was awaiting the publication of the final report, assembled at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel on 16 October 2000 and its work is now proceeding following the receipt of the coroner's court findings. I can assure the House that all findings and recommendations of the Court of Inquiry will be fully considered and appropriate action taken as necessary. As this inquiry is still ongoing, it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment in the matter.
As I have previously stated in the House, all of the safety recommendations set out in the report which call for action by the Department and the Defence Forces are being considered as a matter of priority with a view to their immediate implementation. In this regard I have put in place arrangements to monitor progress in regard to the implementation of the recommendations.
The second meeting of the working group charged with overseeing the process was held recently in the Department of Defence, involving representatives from my Department, including the Defence Forces, as well as from the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources. Progress reports from the various bodies involved were presented and reviewed and a composite progress report is currently being prepared in the Department, which will be presented to me over the coming days. This group will continue to meet on a regular basis in order to ensure the speedy implementation of the safety recommendations set out in the report.
