Emergency Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021

Tuesday, 15 June 2021

Questions (219)

Paul Murphy

Question:

219. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Transport if he plans to continue with the fully civilianised search and rescue services provided by a civilian helicopter operator (details supplied). [30493/21]

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.