asked the Minister for the Marine whether the air rescue team based at Shannon, County Clare is adequate; if he intends to further review the matter in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Shannon Air Rescue Team.
25.
The decision to locate the air rescue team at Shannon airport followed the acceptance by Government in May last of the key recommendation made in the Interim Report of the Review Group on Air-Sea Rescue Services. A Dauphin helicopter exclusively deployed for search and rescue purposes has been available at Shannon on a 24-hour response basis since 4 September 1989. The review group's interim report was mainly concerned with maximising the contribution of existing helicopter resources.
I expect to have the final report of the review group which will consider the adequacy, structure and operation of search and rescue resources generally and make recommendations accordingly within two months.