asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the number of times that Air Corps helicopters have been used in air/sea rescues; the circumstances which caused RAF helicopters to be called in when facilities, including the capacity to fly at night for sea rescue, are available to the Air Corps; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Air/Sea Rescues.
249.
Limerick West): Air Corps helicopters have to date carried out over 1,040 search and rescue missions. A breakdown of this figure between land and sea rescue missions is not available.
The circumstances in which RAF helicopters are called out in air/sea rescues are a matter for the Minister for the Marine.