Paul Connaughton
Question:69 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Defence his views on the current situation with regard to search-and-rescue services in the north-west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17854/04]
View answerWednesday, 16 June 2004
Questions (35, 36, 37)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:95 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Defence if a date has been set for the hand-over of the search-and-rescue service in the north-west from the Air Corps to a private company; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17829/04]
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Bernard J. Durkan
Question:113 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence if adequate trained Air Corps personnel are available to meet all requirements with particular reference to air or sea rescue services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18109/04]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69, 95 and 113 together.
The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime search-and-rescue services within the Irish search-and-rescue region. The Air Corps provides the search-and-rescue, or SAR, service off the north-west coast, while CHCI, a private operator, provides the service from Dublin, Shannon and Waterford.
Late last year, I announced my decision to withdraw the Air Corps from the search-and-rescue service. That decision was made only following a considered assessment of the capacity of the Air Corps to return to and maintain a full 24-hour service in the north-west. As Deputies will recall, the service had been restricted following an unusually high incidence of sick leave among the winch crews. There is no plan to reconsider the decision to withdraw from the search-and-rescue service.
The Air Corps will continue to provide its current limited service, while the coast guard makes alternative arrangements for the return of a full SAR service in the north-west. I have been informed by my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, that the proposals are still under assessment, and a final decision in that regard is expected shortly.
Air Corps pilots will continue to train in search-and-rescue techniques, and it is envisaged that they will provide support for limited non-maritime search and rescue services.