Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 February 2019
82. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the extent to which the Air Corps and Naval Service continues to co-operate in air and sea rescue missions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9730/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Organisation provides a broad range of services in accordance with its primary security role while it also undertakes a diverse range of non security related tasks.
With reference to Search and Rescue, since 2004 the Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of Search and Rescue services within the Irish Search and Rescue region. Both the Naval Service and the Air Corps provide support to the Irish Coast Guard in maritime Search and Rescue operations on an “as available” basis. A Service Level Agreement is in place setting out their roles and responsibilities in this regard.
The Defence Organisation will continue to provide support, as available, to the Irish Coast Guard in respect of Coast Guard Search and Rescue operations.
