Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020
193. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the degree to which air and sea rescue aircraft and vessels quality and safety checks are done on a regular basis with a view to keeping standards here in line with international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37054/20]
View answerMaritime Search and Rescue services are provided in accordance with the National Search and Rescue Plan (NSP) as published by my Department in July 2019. The Coast Guard, a Division of my Department, is required to discharge Ireland’s SAR obligations by implementing the NSP for all incidents occurring in the maritime domain, or as otherwise requested by SAR authorities in other domains. SAR aviation services are provided under contract to the Coast Guard by CHCI Ireland DAC. CHCI’s operating arrangements are regulated and overseen by the IAA in accordance with established national and international procedures. In addition the four CHCI bases are subject to an annual audit by an independent Coast Guard appointed aviation consultant.
The Coast Guard may also on a ‘request and availability basis’ request Search and / or Surveillance assistance from the Air Corps who are responsible for their own safety oversight. Other SAR services are provided by what is categorised as declared resources who are responsible for operating their own safety management systems. Such resources are tasked by the Coast Guard in accordance with the national SAR plan on the basis of such resources operating in accordance with their operational published procedures.
Search and rescue vessels provided by the Irish Coast Guard are maintained and serviced in line with best practice through established service providers and as part of an internal safety management system. Internal quality and safety checks are carried out at regular intervals and are subject to an annual internal audit for verification purposes.
