Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 2003

Vol. 573 No. 3

Written Answers. - Search and Rescue Service.

Seán Ryan

Question:

136 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Defence his proposals to privatise the Air Corps search and rescue service in Sligo; his views on the alleged harassment of search and rescue crews since valid safety issues were highlighted in the media during summer 2003; and the way in which he proposes to improve the working relations with the service. [25103/03]

Minister for Defence (Mr. M. Smith)

The range of services currently provided by the Air Corps include air ambulance, ministerial air transport, search and rescue services, Garda air support and military taskings. As regards the alleged harassment of search and rescue crews, I refer the Deputy to the second priority question I answered earlier today when I dealt comprehensively with the issue.