Vol. 538 No. 5
34 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence if the required fire safety equipment and facilities are available at Finner Camp, County Donegal, to allow it be used for helicopter cover on a 24 hour basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18314/01]
50 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Defence the progress to date in the provision of crash rescue facilities at Finner Camp, County Donegal; if the necessary crash rescue equipment and vehicle have been acquired; if the fire crew personnel have completed their training; the date on which it is expected the service will become operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17633/01]
97 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Defence the progress to date in the provision of crash rescue facilities at Finner Camp; if the necessary crash rescue equipment and vehicle have now been acquired; if the fire crew personnel have completed their training; the date on which it is expected the service will become operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17666/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 34, 50 and 97 together.
As I have previously stated in the House, I have been advised by the military authorities that the necessary equipment and crash rescue vehicle will be delivered at the end of this month.
The Air Corps have been tasked to establish a crash rescue service in Finner Camp and selection of and arrangements for personnel are ongoing. 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 is currently providing a 24 hour search and rescue service, using a Dauphin helicopter from Sligo Airport. It is planned that when the fire and crash rescue service is in place on a 24 hour basis the Dauphin will return to Finner Camp.
