asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce 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 if necessary with other Departments, the purchase of at least one such aircraft.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchase of Helicopter.
A detailed survey has been made of the practicability of providing helicopters for use in this country under a scheme whereby the costs would be shared by potential users. It was found that there would not be anything like sufficient support to make such a scheme practicable.
The provision of helicopters is a matter which is kept under review by my Department and other Departments concerned.
Has this matter reached the stage now where the Minister has no concrete proposal for the purchase of a helicopter for the purposes outlined in the question?
I mentioned that the practicability of providing helicopters for use in this country under a scheme whereby the costs would be shared by potential users has been considered. It was found, however, that sufficient support was not available to make such a scheme practicable. The matter of the provision of a helicopter will be kept under review in my Department and in other Departments closely concerned.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to raise the subject matter of this question on the Adjournment.
Would the Minister consider asking the fisheries branch to interest themselves in the matter?