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 two such aircraft.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchase of Helicopters.
5.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar question by him on this subject in Dáil Éireann on 4th December, 1957. The question of the possible use of helicopters for rescue and relief work was examined in my Department, in conjunction with other Departments, and I am advised that at least six helicopters would be required in order to ensure that, as far as possible, a helicopter would be available within a reasonable time on the occasion of any disaster in the vicinity of our coastline.
The provision of helicopters is kept under review by my Department and other Departments concerned; I can, however, give no indication of early intentions to provide helicopters.
Did I hear the Par. Sec. aright when I understood him to say that six would be necessary?
That is correct.
Is the Par. Sec. aware that the figure has doubled since the question was first asked in 1957? The Minister for Defence in his speech that year stated it would take three helicopters to do the work. In view of the fact that three would have been sufficient in 1957, will the Par. Sec. now inform us as to what has been responsible for increasing the figure from three to six, as suggested in his reply now?
This matter has been examined by a committee and, as I have told the Deputy, the committee have advised that six are necessary.
In view of the fact that a suitable type of helicopter can be purchased for around £36,000, would the Par. Sec. not consider that the expenditure of an adequate sum for the purchase of three such machines would not be out of the way, in view of the tremendous uses to which such a service could be put? Will he now have the matter reconsidered in conjunction with the other interested Department?
The Deputy in his reference to the use to which helicopters can be put was referring to rescue work around our coast. The fact is that the Deputy is not, of course, so well informed in the matter as other people are. It is problematical whether in the event of shipping disasters around our coast, helicopters could in fact be used.
Question No. 6.
May I say——
Question No. 6.
May I say that the Par. Sec. to the Minister——
I have called Question No. 6.
I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.