Vol. 573 No. 3
159 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Defence if an Air Corps search and rescue helicopter based in the north-west was taken out of service when it was discovered that life jackets on board were beyond their service date; the steps being taken to ensure that all such equipment is properly serviced and up to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25269/03]
The north-west search and rescue service was limited to inland and coastal rescue for a period of six hours on Wednesday, 2 July due to life jackets being beyond their service date. Standard procedures had not been complied with and action has been taken in this regard. The Air Corps has undertaken a quality audit of safety equipment, as a result of which further revised procedures for the storage, tracking, maintenance and use of such equipment have been put in place.
Question No. 160 answered with Question No. 149.
