Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 March 2017
58. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the details of the instructions issued by his Department regarding the regular testing and safety checks to be performed on helicopters used by the Irish Coast Guard. [14252/17]
View answerFollowing a competitive tender process on 22nd July 2010 a contract agreement for search and rescue helicopters was signed between the then Minister for Transport and CHC Ireland Ltd. These Helicopters respond to emergencies at sea, inland waterways, offshore islands and mountains. The helicopters are operated by CHC Ireland ltd and the fully qualified crews are employees of CHC Ireland Ltd. The helicopter service contract commenced on 1st July 2012 for a period of 10 years. The contract requires that CHC Ireland Ltd comply with all applicable Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), European Safety Agency (EASA), and international Civil Aviation organisation (ICAO) guidance, regulation, standards and recommended practises.
