Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
256. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he has received the unredacted version of the Air Corps submission on the provision of military search and rescue service to the State of March 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26019/21]
View answer257. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport the recommendation or determination of the evaluation of the Air Corps submission on the provision of military search and rescue service to the State of March 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26021/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 257 together.
In November 2019 the Department of Transport commenced a process to prepare for the next iteration of the Coast Guard Aviation service. This involved an extensive consultation process with all key State and other SAR stakeholders to consider the scope and demand for the service over the lifetime of a new contract.
An initial report was brought to Government in July last, following approval by a Steering Group of State stakeholders. This report included a strategic assessment, setting out the context for the SAR aviation programme, an organisational overview, and a survey of existing policies and strategies relevant to the programme. It identified the spending objectives of the programme, including existing arrangements and relevant business needs. It also included an appraisal of various service delivery options. The process is now at detailed business case stage which is focused on the remaining viable options. While it is not envisaged that the Air Corps take full responsibility for this service on the basis of that initial assessment, my Department was asked by the Department of Defence to explore the viability of the Air Corps providing some element of the SAR aviation service.
The Air Corps submission that the Deputy refers to was received by my Department last March and is being reviewed as part of the preparation of a detailed business case on the entire IRCG aviation service. This is part of a deliberative process which will lead to a Government decision in due course and on which it would not be appropriate for me to comment.
To be clear, I have no role in the business case development. This is being led by KPMG and a Project Team which includes officials in my Department and independent expertise. The outcome of this will be brought to Government shortly.
All relevant and reliable information on the current status of this project can be found on our dedicated SAR Webpage – Irish Coast Guard: Search and Rescue (SAR) Aviation Project.
