Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2023
215. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if he will confirm that the transfer of patients by the coastguard contractor (details supplied) falls outside its contract; if the contractor is charging separately for these transfers; if so, the cost per transfer and or the cost per hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11428/23]
View answerCoast Guard helicopter services are provided under contract by CHC Ireland. The contract provides for the provision of four helicopters, delivering a 24 hour service out of four bases, at Sligo, Shannon, Waterford and Dublin.
In addition to provision of Maritime and Inland Search and Rescue services, Coast Guard Helicopters also provides a day and night air ambulance service to offshore island communities, as well as HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service), inter-hospital patient transfer services and UK time critical paediatric transfers for the HSE (when other options are not available).
A Service Level Agreement with HSE provides for the recovery of marginal costs from HSE where the total number of HEMS and inter-hospital missions exceeds twelve missions per month, and for all UK transfers.
I consider the support to the island communities and HSE to be a valuable service and a prudent utilisation of the contract that augments the skill set of pilots and paramedic level technical crews.
