Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 December 2013
367. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will have a watching brief in place on behalf of his Department into the investigation by the Scottish authorities into the cause of the recent crash of a police helicopter in Glasgow in view of the similarities in the equipment involved on helicopters used by An Garda Síochána in this jurisdiction. [52859/13]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that a number of investigations are being carried out into the recent tragic events in Glasgow and my Department will of course monitor the outcomes of these investigations.
The Deputy will also appreciate that the operation of the Garda Air Support Unit is primarily a matter for the Garda Commissioner. In that context, I am informed by the Garda authorities that they are in regular contact with Eurocopter UK whose parent company manufacturers the EC135T2 helicopter. In addition they will continue to engage with the manufacturer to ensure that all appropriate protocols and safety procedures are in place for the safe operation of the Air Support Unit.
