I propose to take Questions Nos. 325, 326 and 327 together.
I recognise the significant benefits which derive from the close cooperation between the Air Corps and the HSE in the provision of aeromedical services, and my Department and the Department of Defence continue to liaise closely in relation to the delivery of these services.
Some time ago, the Department of Defence advised that, due to specific constraints, the Air Corps was not in a position to provide inter-hospital air ambulance transfer services between the hours of 7pm and 7:30am. In those circumstances, and to avoid the situation where no night time service would be available for Priority 1 paediatric transplant patients, the HSE undertook a procurement process and a private provider was contracted to provide cover during these periods; daytime air transfers continue to be carried out by the Air Corps and the Irish Coast Guard, as appropriate. The contract with the private provider will expire early next year and it is now necessary for the HSE to commence a procurement process in order to ensure that there will be no gap in service provision. In the meantime, my officials continue to engage with officials in the Department of Defence in relation to service provision and the ongoing capacity and availability of the Air Corps to support the HSE.
In relation to the Deputy's specific enquiries I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.