asked the Minister for Defence whether, in view of the usefulness of helicopters generally, and especially in view of their importance for rescue and relief work, he will consider in conjunction with other Departments the purchase of at least one such aircraft.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchase of Helicopter.
The purchase of helicopters from the point of view of the needs of the Army has already been considered and it is not at present proposed to purchase such an aircraft.
The question of rescue and relief work is not one for my Department. Should it be decided to purchase a helicopter for this purpose the full co-operation of my Department will be forthcoming.
Would the Minister not direct his attention again to the question, when he will see where it was suggested that he should make this purchase in conjunction with other bodies? I have not suggested that the helicopter should be purchased for defence needs. Is the Minister aware that a body with headquarters outside this state is contemplating the purchase of a helicopter for the purposes outlined in the question? Does the Minister consider that it would be desirable in the national interest that such a purchase should be made, rather than have some group or body make the purchase on behalf of the Irish Government?
I have informed the Deputy that if it is decided to purchase a helicopter, the full co-operation of my Department will be forthcoming. I have also informed him that the question of rescue and relief work is not one for my Department.
Can we take it that at the moment there are no negotiations between the various Departments to ensure that a helicopter is purchased for the purposes mentioned in the question? I should think that the Department of Defence is the Department of State most likely to be concerned in this matter, and surely the Minister is now prepared to allay public anxiety in this matter, particularly in view of the tragic events that occurred recently and in view of the comparatively low cost of acquiring a helicopter——
The Deputy is now making a speech.
The Deputy should address that question to the Department concerned.
Would the Minister be god enough to tell me what Department is concerned?
The Department of Industry and Commerce.