Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2021
127. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Defence the current costings of the emergency aeromedical service offered by his Department to operate for a year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46989/21]
View answer128. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Defence the total sum of Exchequer funding that the emergency aeromedical service receives from the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46992/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 128 together.
The Air Corps provides a broad range of services in accordance with its primary defence and security role. It also undertakes a diverse range of non-security-related tasks including the provision of air ambulance services to the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The HSE’s Aeromedical Desk in its National Emergency Operations Centre is responsible for the co-ordination of all health-related air transport arrangements. In addition to the Air Corps, the Irish Coast Guard and private air ambulance operators also provide air transport services for the HSE.
The 2015 Government Decision, which established on a permanent basis, the Emergency Aeromedical Support (EAS) service approved an additional annual provision of €2.2 million to the Defence Vote for reimbursement of Air Corps’ costs incurred in the provision of the service. The Health Vote is reduced accordingly. This sum is based on 480 flying hours per annum and is subject to periodic costs review. This sum also takes into consideration average fuel and Air Corps personnel costs. Any annual flying hours in excess of 480 hours are charged to the HSE separately by the Department of Defence at a rate of €3,180 per hour.
The estimated cost of ancillary costs directly related to the operation of the EAS service since July 2015 is approximately €700,000. These costs include items such as maintenance of the hangar in Custume Barracks and have been borne between the Defence Vote and the Department of Health.
Personnel costs associated with NAS personnel are borne by the HSE and are not reflected in the €2.2 million figure.
