Search and Rescue Service Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2021

Tuesday, 25 May 2021

Questions (136)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

136. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport the status of the search and rescue helicopter service contract. [27908/21]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

The current helicopter service contract between the then Minister for Transport and CHC Ireland DAC commenced on 1st July 2012 for a period of 10 years. It contains an option to extend for a period(s) up to a further 3 years. The contract has been extended initially for one year to July 2023 to facilitate the procurement of a new service in accordance with Public Spending Code requirements and a seamless transition from one service to another.

The current status of the procurement process for the new service can be referenced in the Published eTenders update on eTenders and our SAR Webpage www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/ed653-irish-coast-guard-search-and-rescue-sar-aviation-project/.