Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2010
334 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the nature of the contact and at what level within the Air Corps was it made in respect of the proposed search and rescue service helicopter service being provided by the Air Corps; if the Air Corps has been asked if it had the aspiration to provide this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29494/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department as is normal in such circumstances consulted with the Department of Defence concerning the possibility of that Department taking over responsibility for aeronautical Search and Rescue operations. The Department of Defence confirmed that it would not be possible for the Air Corps to take on the role at the end of the current contract.
The Air Corps withdrew from Maritime SAR in 2004 following operational difficulties in the provision of a consistent and satisfactory level of service. This included very significant difficulties experienced in retaining the necessary highly skilled and experienced helicopter pilots.
335 Deputy Fergus O’Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the proposed new search and rescue service helicopter service; if the new contract has been signed; the total cost of same; if a value for money audit has been done on this proposed contract, and if so by who; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29495/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraCivilian aeronautical Search and Rescue services started in Shannon in 1991 and the entire delivery has been contracted since 2004. The Department of Transport reviewed this service as part of the Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes process.
In 2008, in preparation for re-tendering, a broad spectrum of Government and other stakeholders contributed to the requirements for the new contract and in the creation of the Request For Tender (RFT). The requirement was advertised in the EU Journal, broadly requiring the continuation of the existing level of service. A process auditor from PA Consulting Ltd oversaw the procurement stages.
The change in helicopters, which is the essential difference in the service, is necessitated by safety, certification, maintenance and performance considerations. Final contract details are being completed and signing will take place shortly.
