As the Deputy is aware, a thorough examination of the final report of the air accident investigation unit of the Department of Public Enterprise into Accident DH 248/Rescue 111 Tramore, 2 July 1999, took place in my Department. The following is an update on the response of my Department to the recommendations which relate specifically to the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources. It follows the numbering set out in the report:
Recommendation 4.14. (S.R. 24 of 2000). My Department has in place training programmes for Coast Guard units in dealing with hazardous situations. This training is being upgraded in the case of incidents of serious aircraft accidents. On 14 October 2000, the chief fire officer at Shannon Airport delivered a lecture on the subject of downed aircraft search and approach techniques at the coast guard area officers' annual conference in Limerick. I plan to make this lecture a regular part of training personnel in relation to downed aircraft situations.
Recommendation 4.15. (S.R. 25 of 2000). My Department accepts the need for formalising current relationships and such agreements are at draft stage at present.
Recommendation 4.16. (S.R. 26 of 2000). My Department in its contract relationships with private operators ensures that appropriate agreements to the Department's satisfaction are in place between service providers and airport authorities. It should be noted that the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources is not a party to relationships between the Air Corps and airport authorities.