asked the Minister for Defence the reason it was not possible to use an Irish Air Force helicopter during a recent boat tragedy (details supplied) off the West Coast.
Written Answers. - West Coast Boat Tragedy.
294.
The Puma helicopter held by the Air Corps was undergoing a 300-hour inspection on the date of the incident in question and could not, therefore, participate in the search and rescue operations. The Alouette helicopters held by the Air Corps could not operate in the weather prevailing at the time.