Vol. 527 No. 4
33 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Defence the restrictions that apply to helicopter and fixed wing flights from Finner Air Corps base, County Donegal, due to safety considerations; if night helicopter cover from the base has been suspended; when a full operational level will be restored; the arrangements that are being made to provide helicopter cover for emergency rescue purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28684/00]
62 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Defence if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed at the recent RACO conference that Air Corps pilots were flying dangerous rescue missions off the north-west coast without proper crash facilities; the steps that are being taken to address the concerns expressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28687/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 62 together.
The provision of a 24 hour search and rescue service by the Air Corps from Finner Camp, County Donegal, has not been suspended. I state categorically that the Department of Defence has not delayed in any way the provision of crash rescue equipment at Finner Camp, County Donegal. Last May, following a meeting with RACO, where the issue of the non-availability of a fire tender at Finner was first brought to my attention, I immediately raised this issue with the military authorities. I undertook to have the fire tender provided and I instructed the military authorities to whom responsibility for these types of purchases—
On a point of order, is this the same reply as that to Question No. 30?
Yes, I have dealt with it. I have no control over these matters.
The issue of safety at Finner was brought to the Minister's attention last May or June by RACO. If one attended the RACO AGM in Kilkenny, as we did, one would know there is still great concern within the association regarding safety in the Air Corps. Given that this was brought to his attention last May, how many meetings has the Minister had with RACO on the matter? Is RACO satisfied with what has been put in place in terms of addressing safety? As a result of its AGM in Kilkenny has it again brought it to the attention of the Minister? If so, what action has the Department taken in terms of addressing its concerns, which were very strongly expressed at the conference in Kilkenny?
I have had no further meetings with RACO in that connection. I responded immediately to its concerns. I have indicated the matter is delegated primarily to the military authorities. They proceeded to decide the kind of fire tender required and embarked upon the tender process, and I am assured the fire tender will be delivered next March. Therefore, everything possible on my side and as far as the military authorities are concerned has been done following the indication of concern from RACO in May.
Will the Minister confirm that the night service has been suspended and what has replaced it?
In my reply I indicated there has been no suspension.
The Minister is aware of the statement by his colleague, the Minister for Education and Science, made in Waterford on 1 July 1999 that we have a world class service. In terms of search and rescue missions and the loss of more lives, the Minister and I know we do not have a world class service. We have a 12 hour service in Waterford. There are serious question marks over the Dauphin helicopter which is being used on a 24 hour basis in Donegal, operating from Finner Camp. When will the Minister do something serious about restoring a 24 hour service and having a serious search and rescue service throughout the country, which was the original intention?
Regarding the order for two medium lift helicopters to be delivered in 2004, the Minister should seriously consider leasing helicopters for Waterford and Finner, if necessary, to provide this world class service and not wait until 2004.
At no stage did I indicate to anybody that I was waiting until 2004. The first way to address the problem was to provide the financial resources and on 1 March last year I provided £55 million and uniquely increased provision for the Air Corps so it could purchase two medium lift helicopters, to have an option on a third and to examine helicopters for military transport. That is now heading into the tender process. I also established a working group last month which is looking at—
When will they be delivered? That is the important issue.
—interim solutions to see to what extent the question of leasing or other means of acquiring the necessary aircraft can be achieved. The Deputy will appreciate that providing finance is the first and fundamental way of dealing with this matter. No financial resources were being provided for this purpose. Aircraft cannot be provided without money, and I have provided the money. I want to create the flexibility either through the tender process or through leasing to ensure we have enhanced aircraft which the Government accepts is required by the Air Corps.
A number of different comments have been made about Dauphin helicopters and that is one of the matters which will be considered by the working group. I have no evidence, neither has the Department, signalling problems with that aircraft, which is used for search and rescue throughout the world.
It does not have a range of 200 miles, unlike the Sikorsky helicopter.
The Minister must be allowed continue.
I am trying to be helpful.
Members should not speak from a seated position until they are called by the Chair.
Significantly increased dedicated resources are being provided. The procurement group working on the acquisition of the aircraft is in full swing and we expect it will go to tender early in the new year.
I welcome the reassurance from the Minister. If the helicopters are not delivered until late 2003 or early 2004, I want the Minister to give a commitment that he will lease state-of-the-art helicopters in the interim to provide a service. Following the recent tragedy in Waterford, 17 miles from Waterford Airport, with a 69 minute call-out time, the Minister's colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, talked about a public relations exercise. The Minister of State said that, not me. Therefore, all is not well, something of which the Minister is aware.
The Deputy is making a statement. I remind the Deputy that this is Question Time and questions should be asked.
I am stating the facts.
The Deputy is not in order in stating the facts. He must put a question.
The Minister's colleague said that, but then Ministers of State seem to be all over the place and to have carte blanche.
I call Question No. 34.
The Minister and I want only what is best.
As the Deputy is aware, the search and rescue service is the responsibility of the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources. I happen to be an agent through the Air Corps and any comments made by a Minister of State in that Department—
I am sure the Minister will relay that to the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources.
If the Minister was positive, it would not have to be relayed.
