Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2013
415. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Defence the extent to which on-going review takes place into the capacity and capabilities of the Air Corps, with particular reference to air sea rescue, coastal surveillance and or air ambulance services; if any particular issues have been identified which require specific attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29312/13]
View answerThe Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of search and rescue services within the Irish search and rescue region and the responsibility for the prevention of drug-trafficking and people trafficking rests primarily with the Revenue Commissioners and An Garda Síochána respectively. However, the Air Corps has a role in assisting and supporting the civil authorities and, in this regard, both they and the Naval Service provide support to these agencies as the need arises and within their available capabilities. A Service Level Agreement is in place with the Irish Coast Guard which sets out the search and rescue assistance that the Air Corps and Naval Service can provide to the Coast Guard and this Agreement is currently being renewed. The provision of onshore assistance by Air Corps helicopters for mountain rescue operations is covered in the Agreement, as is the fixed wing top cover provided by the Air Corps Casa aircraft to Coast Guard helicopters offshore.
The Air Corps Maritime Patrol Squadron carries out aerial surveillance of territorial waters using the two CASA maritime patrol aircraft. These aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment which offers aerial assistance to the Naval Service in patrolling the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone.
A Service Level Agreement between my Department and the Department of Health is in place which formalises the arrangements for the support provided by the Air Corps, for emergency inter-hospital transfers for spinal and serious injuries and illnesses, air transport of neonates requiring immediate medical intervention within Ireland, air transport of patients requiring organ transplants in the UK, air transport of Organ Retrieval Teams within Ireland and air transport of patients from offshore islands to mainland hospitals where the Irish Coast Guard service is not available.
In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding has been agreed between my Department and the Department of Health which underpins the Air Corps’ support to the National Ambulance Service for a pilot Emergency Aeromedical Support service, operating primarily in the west of Ireland and from Custume Barracks Athlone. This pilot service was for a twelve month period from 4 June 2012. It has now been extended for a period of up to three months from 4 June 2013 pending consideration by my colleague, the Minister for Health, of a Report on a review of the pilot service which is currently being finalised.
I am satisfied that the Air Corps has the necessary resources to meet their operational requirements in these important areas.
