Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 1

Written Answers. - Air Accident Investigations.

Brian O'Shea

Question:

21 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the progress made to date in implementing recommendations 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. [23343/01]

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.

All safety recommendations have been concluded by my Department with the exception of a service agreement between my Department and the Air Corps of the Department of Defence. This agreement awaits the outcome of the Department of Defence contract for helicopter procurement and the finalisation of the report of the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources-Department of Defence Working Group on Dedicated Marine Emergency Response Helicopters. In the meantime, an informal operational understanding operates between IRCG and the IAC. The need for a service agreement arises from Recommendation 4.15. (Safety Recommendation 25 of 2000) of the report, which recommended that a formal service level agreement be put in place between the Air Corps and the Irish Coast Guard defining the precise responsibilities and deliverables of both parties. My Department accepts the need for formalising current relationships and such agreements are at draft stage at present.