asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that the Air Corps Dauphin helicopters have the capacity to supply an effective night flying service; in the context of the training of pilots, if he will consider having the services of United Nations trained helicopter personnel made available to deal with night time air/sea rescue missions off our coasts until such time as Irish pilots can be properly trained; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Air/Sea Rescue.
92.
, Limerick West): I am satisfied that the Dauphin helicopters have the capacity to provide an effective night flying service.
The rate of training of Air Corps pilots in night flying, which is proceeding, is dependent on their achieving proficiency and maintaining such proficiency in the many disciplines associated with the search and rescue task. Night flying requires the continous use of instruments using state of the art computerised control systems.
I am not aware that there are any "United Nations trained helicopter personnel".