Vol. 536 No. 2
81 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Defence if the required fire safety equipment and facilities are now available at Finner Camp, County Donegal, to allow it to be used for helicopter cover on a 24 hour basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13789/01]
I have been advised by the military authorities that the necessary equipment and crash rescue vehicle will be delivered at the end of next month. The Air Corps have been tasked to establish a crash rescue service in Finner Camp and selection of and arrangements for personnel will be completed to coincide with the delivery of the vehicle. They will thereafter be permanently located at Finner Camp with the new equipment and the new fire tender.
Pending the establishment of these facilities at Finner Camp, the Air Corps are currently providing a 24 hour search and rescue service, using a Dauphin helicopter from Sligo airport. When the fire and crash rescue service is in place on a 24 hour basis the Dauphin will return to Finner Camp.
