Vol. 398 No. 4
42 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Defence the number of occasions in the past year on which Air Corps aircraft or Naval Service vessels have gone to the assistance of commercial vessels at sea; if, in these circumstances, the Defence Forces seek reimbursement of costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The number of occasions on which Naval Service vessels and Air Corps aircraft have gone to the assistance of commercial vessels in the year up to the end of April 1990 was: Air Corps, 41 occasions; Naval Service, 20 occasions. It is not the practice in this country or internationally to charge for services rendered in respect of search and rescue missions.
However in certain circumstances, for example, oil pollution counter measures, claims for reimbursement of costs are submitted in respect of Defence Forces assistance.
Does the international practice, which I appreciate exists, apply in all instances and in all respects, irrespective of the circumstances, for example, where acts of foolhardiness have led to call-outs of the search and rescue facilities? Are there punitive measures built into the levelling of charges for services that should not be deployed in the normal course of events, given the huge expense on the taxpayer?
The matter should be looked at but it involves investigation into an area that has not been investigated heretofore. It is quite clear under the oil pollution regulations where the liability lies. However, in other cases it has been the tradition to regard it as a hazard at sea to be met as a matter of urgency, without any charge being made.
I will have the Deputy's suggestion examined.
