Vol. 431 No. 2
101 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine the extent to which air/sea rescue services are capable of meeting emergencies around our coasts; if there are any areas in respect of which service is not yet up to requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
102 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine the current call out time in respect of air/sea rescue helicopters off our coasts; if the service is satisfactory; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 102 together.
I am satisfied that the current deployment of search and rescue (SAR) resources, including helicopters, provide adequate coverage for emergencies off our coast. The callout-times for SAR helicopters are fully in line with accepted international standards which are airborne is not more than 15 minutes from 0730 to 2100 hours and not more than 45 minutes from 2100 to 0730 hours.
The Irish Marine Emergency Service of the Department keeps the disposition of all of these services under continuous review in consultation with the other bodies involved, and with the objective of optimising their use within the general search and rescue structure.
