I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 97 together.
There has been much ill informed comment about the proposed new SAR contract. Because we are in the "standstill" period of the procurement process and about to commence contract negotiations I am somewhat constrained by what I can say.
However I can make the following points in response to some comments made.
1. The new contract has been presented as a "cutback" in services; nothing could be further from the truth. The new contract will cost significantly more on an annual basis than the current contract because of the improved services to be provided.
2. The Government has just approved a massive half a billion euro investment in maritime search and rescue capability on the island. The proposed contract represents a dramatic increase in funding for SAR helicopter services in Ireland from approximately €30 million to €50 million per annum. This is an increase, in difficult circumstances, of €20 million a year in this service alone.
The new contract represents a stepped improvement in the capacity, range, speed and capability of Ireland's SAR service.