Vol. 431 No. 2
100 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Marine the number of occasions within the past 12 months in which the Irish Marine Search and Rescue Service had to seek the assistance of RAF aircraft; the implications, if any, there are for the search and rescue service following the decision to close a number of RAF installations, including RAF Brawdy; and if he will make a statement, on the matter.
In the twelve months from May, 1992 to April, 1993, assistance was provided by the RAF in the Irish search and rescue region on one occasion.
I would like to draw the Deputy's attention to the fact that since the Department's Sikorsky helicopter came into service in July 1991, it has provided assistance on fifteen occasions to the UK authorities. It is gratifying to have the resources to reciprocate the assistance we have so readily received in the past from the United Kingdom. This mutual co-operation will continue.
On 21 October, 1992, the United Kingdom Government announced revised RAF search and rescue coverage arrangements which will begin to take effect in April 1994. These will put higher capacity faster helicopters into service and involve closure of basis including RAF Brawdy in South Wales, from where 24-hours Sea King helicopter coverage will be transfered to RAF Chivenor in Devon.
The Department has an observer on the UK Search and Rescue Committee, which brings together representatives of all the main British search and rescue agencies, including the RAF. We were aware that the provision of RAF search and rescue helicopters was being reviewed. Prior notification of the proposed changes was conveyed through the usual inter-Governmental channels.
I am satisfied that the proposed redeployment of UK resources has no adverse implications for search and rescue coverage in Irish waters.
