I propose to take Priority Question No. 7 and Parliamentary Questions Nos. 39 and 42 together.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sympathy into the House, as I have done privately, to the family of Leading Seaman Quinn on his tragic death. I understand that a Naval inquiry into his death is continuing and, therefore, I would not like to comment further on the circumstances of his death.
Regarding the comments made by the Cork county coroner on the adequacy of the helicopter search and rescue service, the Review Group on Air/Sea Rescue Services have considered the various options for improving the air/sea rescue services and these options will be considered by the Government soon. I do not wish to make any statement on the various options prior to their being considered by Government.
I am not aware of any official reports suggesting that the air/sea rescue role should be transferred from the Air Corps to commercial enterprise. Suggestions have been made from time to time that current deployment by the Air Corps of Dauphin helicopters for search and rescue might be augmented by longer range helicopters provided on a contract basis by a private company. The company referred to by one of the Deputies has, as was indicated in my reply of 23 May 1989 — volume 390, column 779, No. 72 of the Official Debate — made an unsolicited offer of such a service. They are not the only company to express an interest in tendering for such a service. Therefore, it would be improper for me to discuss here the merits of any particular company's aircraft.