Vol. 545 No. 4
47 Ms O'Sullivan 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. [30660/01]
79 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Defence the progress on the provision of crash rescue facilities at Finner Camp, County Donegal; if the necessary equipment and vehicles have been acquired; and the position in this regard. [25483/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 79 together.
I have been advised by the military authorities that the Air Corps will resume the operation of a 24 hour search and rescue service using a Dauphin helicopter from Finner Camp, County Donegal with effect from today.
Eight students completed a course in relation to the Finner fire rescue service last Friday, 30 November 2001. The course was of five weeks duration and all eight students have passed the course.
As the Deputy is aware, pending the establishment of the crash rescue facilities at Finner Camp, the Air Corps temporarily relocated to Sligo Airport and provided the 24 hour search and rescue service from that location. However, all the relevant fire fighting equipment and a fully trained fire rescue service are now in place at Finner Camp, County Donegal thereby allowing the service to resume at that location.
Question No. 48 answered with Question No. 35.
