Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Jan 1996

Vol. 460 No. 3

Written Answers. - Rescue Services.

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

618 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for the Marine if a night-time rescue service is part of the State's rescue services plan having regard to the sinking of a fishing vessel off Howth Harbour in November 1995; if he will ensure that a Dauphin helicopter based at Baldonnel will be made available in future for similar emergencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1009/96]

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

620 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for the Marine the way in which the Marine Emergency Service responded to the sinking of a fishing vessel a few yards off Howth Harbour in November 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1011/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 618 and 620 together.

In response to the grounding of the vessel the Scarlett Buccaneer on 16 November, 1995 at the entrance to Howth Harbour all available search and rescue (SAR) resourses were tasked to the scene including the Howth all-weather lifeboat and Irish marine emergency coastal units. The closest available helicopter with night time flying capability was also tasked from RAF Valley in Wales. All four crew members on board the vessel were subsequently rescued. Unfortunately one of the crew later died from his injuries.

As I announced in the House on 23 November, I have asked my Department to address the issue of east coast coverage in a review of the availability and deployment of SAR resources generally. I also asked the Air Corps to evaluate the feasibility of a 24 hour dedicated SAR helicopter being based at Baldonnel and I will keep the House informed of these initiatives.

I must stress as previously stated in the House that I am satisfied that the current deployment of search and rescue resources and particularly their state of readiness and their on the spot management by the marine emergency service is well up to international standards and will stand up to the closest scrutiny.

Finally, I feel it is important to stress that we have dedicated men and women whose job it is to be available on a 24 hour basis to deal with marine emergencies in a professional manner. Their lives are often at risk and this has to be constantly a matter for concern in the deployment and management of SAR resources.

Seán Haughey

Ceist:

619 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for the Marine if the Air Corps was involved in two night-time rescue missions in Dublin Bay on 6 January 1996; if this was part of the Irish marine emergency service plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1010/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

I can confirm that a Dauphin helicopter was available and was tasked to take part in two search and rescue operations in Dublin Bay on 6 January, 1996. Since the end of December an enhanced night flying capability has been provided by the Air Corps for east coast coverage.

As I announced in the House on 23 November, I have asked my Department to address the issue of east coast coverage in a review of the availability and deployment of search and rescue resources generally. I also asked the Air Corps to evaluate the feasibility of a 24 hour dedicated search and rescue helicopter being based at Baldonnel and I will keep the House informed of these matters.