Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 6 Mar 1990

Vol. 396 No. 6

Written Answers. - Joint Venture Scheme.

Michael Joe Cosgrave

Ceist:

108 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for the Marine , in view of recent statements by the owner of Guinness Peat Aviation to the effect that he was prepared to invest £200 million in setting up air traffic control systems on a European basis and in view of the non-acceptance of this offer by the Government, if he will approach the management of Guinness Peat Aviation with a view to setting up a joint venture scheme for a European air-sea rescue service based at Cork or Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Michael Joe Cosgrave

Ceist:

109 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for the Marine , in view of the urgent requirement of European air-sea rescue service based at Cork or Shannon and with the current surplus of long-range helicopters and life-saving equipment now available on the world market due to the withdrawal of United States and Soviet forces from Europe, if he will enter into a joint venture scheme with Guinness Peat Aviation for the purchase of air-sea rescue equipment, such as long-range helicopters and life-saving equipment which would be based at Cork or Shannon; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Wilson)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 109 together.

I have not received from Guinness Peat Aviation any indication of interest in the provision of a search and rescue service or in the purchase of air-sea rescue equipment for that purpose. Guinness Peat Aviation did not make any submission to the review group set up to examine the matter recently.