Tony Killeen
Ceist:268 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Marine the current position regarding the Shannon-based air sea rescue service. [6289/97]
Vol. 475 No. 8
268 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for the Marine the current position regarding the Shannon-based air sea rescue service. [6289/97]
I announced on 2 August 1996 that the Government had approved the award of a contract to Bond Helicopters (Ireland) Ltd., for the provision of a marine emergency helicopter including search and rescure based at Shannon airport. The contract commenced on 1 January 1997, on the expiry of the previous contract with Irish Helicopters Ltd., and is for a minimum period of two and a half years with an option to extend for up to five years.