Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 1

Written Answers. - Marine Rescue Service.

Jack Wall

Question:

56 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the progress made to date in implementing recommendations, for which his Department has responsibility, of the final report of the air accident investigation unit into the crash of the Dauphin helicopter at Tramore, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8124/01]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey)

As the Deputy is aware, a thorough examination of the final report of the air accident investigation unit of the Department of Public Enterprise into accident DH 248/rescue 111, Tramore, 2 July, 1999 took place in my Department. The following is an update on the response of my Department to the recommendations which relate specifically to the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources. It follows the numbering set out in the report.

Recommendation 4.14. (S.R. 24 of 2000) – My Department has in place training programmes for coast guard units in dealing with hazardous situations. This training is being upgraded in the case of incidents of serious aircraft accidents. On 14 October, 2000, the chief fire officer at Shannon Airport delivered a lecture on the subject of downed aircraft search and approach techniques at the coast guard area officers' annual conference in Limerick.

Recommendation 4.15. (S.R. 25 of 2000) – My Department accepts the need for formalising cur rent relationships and such agreements are at draft stage at present.

Recommendation 4.16. (S.R. 26 of 2000) – My Department in its contract relationships with private operators ensures that appropriate agreements to the Department's satisfaction are in place between service providers and airport authorities. It should be noted that the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources is not a party to relationships between the Air Corps and airport authorities.

Recommendation 4.21. (S.R. 31 of 2000) – My Department has an ongoing training and review programme in place which encompasses, inter alia, aviation awareness. One three week search and rescue mission co-ordinator's course has been attended by six staff and a two day aviation awareness module was introduced on that course. A second three week course of the same nature is being conducted at present.

Recommendation 4.22. (S.R. 32 of 2000) – The maritime circumstances that gave rise to the rescue mission are well known and documented. Unfortunately, these circumstances are all too common despite continuing intensive media and publicity campaigns led by my Department assisted by the RNLI, Irish Water Safety, the Civil Defence, CIL and sporting, fishing and various representative organisations. The chief marine surveyor has advised that a formal investigation is not required as all the details are already available. The level of call out to assist leisure craft in difficulty is more than 300 annually. A key aim of my Department is to bring about a fundamental change in safety culture.

Recommendation 4.25. (S.R. 35 of 2000) – My Department has to be satisfied when taking on private contractors that they will be fully capable and proficient in providing the required service from date of contract. The relationship with the Air Corps is not a contractual one and the matter of proficiency of crews and assets is primarily for the military authorities.