I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 103 together.
As I previously stated in the House, the recent publication of the final report by the air accident investigations unit of the Department of Public Enterprise into the accident in Tramore, County Waterford, on 2 July 1999, in which four members of the Air Corps – captain David O'Flaherty, captain Michael Baker, sergeant Paddy Mooney and corporal Niall Byrne – were tragically killed, evoked many sad memories for the families of the victims, the Defence Forces and the public in general. Once again, I pay a most sincere tribute to those brave men who gave their lives in the service of others.
The report is a very comprehensive and detailed document and I welcome its publication. The purpose of the investigation was to determine the circumstances and cause, or causes, of the accident to prevent future such accidents. It was not the purpose of the accident investigation nor the investigation report to apportion blame or liability. I urge Deputy Finucane to study the report in its entirety. The report outlines the extensive preparations which were undertaken by all concerned to provide the 24-hour search and rescue service at Waterford airport.
With regard to the suitability of the Dauphin helicopter for search and rescue missions, all helicopters operate within certain ranges. The Dauphin is a multi-engined, all-weather, light load carrying helicopter, equipped with auto hover and with a declared maximum operating range of 150 nautical miles by day at a speed of 135 knots and 70 nautical miles by night at a speed of 135 knots. These are the ranges and, by extension, the limitations within which the aircraft must operate. While the report refers to the shortcomings of the Dauphin as a search and rescue platform in the north-western theatre, as expressed to the investigation by past and present search and rescue practitioners, no case in relation to any such shortcomings was made to my Department. The report recommends that the general officer commanding the Air Corps should review the matter.
All the safety recommendations set out in the report which call for action by the Department and the Defence Forces are being considered as a matter of priority with a view to their immediate implementation. A number of recommendations which call for action by the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources are being closely examined in that Department. A safety recommendation in relation to potential hazards to rescuers associated with sites of serious aircraft accidents is a matter for a number of Departments and agencies.
I have put in place arrangements to monitor progress in regard to the implementation of the recommendations. In this regard, an initial meeting of a working group was held in the Department of Defence on 5 October 2000 involving representatives from my Department, including the Defence Forces, and the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources. This group will meet on a regular basis to ensure the speedy implementation of the safety recommendations set out in the report. Progress reports from the various bodies involved will be presented and reviewed, following which composite progress reports will be presented to me at regular intervals.
Action has begun to implement the recommendation that the Department of Defence should commission, on behalf of the Air Corps, an independent air operations safety audit by an agency with a proven track record of expertise in military aviation. In this regard, my Department has asked the Department of Public Enterprise for advice regarding the sourcing of appropriate expertise to carry out the recommended air operations safety audit. I have directed that this audit be carried out at the earliest time possible. All support necessary will be provided by my Department and the Defence Forces to the chosen agency to carry out its work. In addition, as recommended in the report, an Air Corps air safety office is being established with immediate effect and an air safety officer has been appointed by the general officer commanding the Air Corps.