Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 April 2021
70. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence if a guarantee will be given that any changes necessary to Defence Force Regulations CS4 and its accompanying administrative instructions will be carried out in the case that the Air Corps is directed by Government to provide part of the search and rescue contract currently being overseen by the Department of Transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20948/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2004 the Irish Coast Guard has had overall responsibility for the provision of Search and Rescue services within the Irish Search and Rescue domain. From within the Defence Organisation, 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.
No decision has yet been taken to change any aspect of the current delivery model of Search and Rescue (SAR) aviation services in Ireland's SAR domain. There is, as you are aware, an ongoing project under the remit of the Department of Transport, to consider, develop and bring to fruition a new Marine Search and Rescue aviation contract for future service provision.
In this context, late last year, I asked my officials to engage further with the Department of Transport to explore the option of the Air Corps providing some element of the next generation SAR aviation service while at the same time ensuring that the service meets domestic and international obligations for SAR and represents value for money for the State. This process is currently ongoing.
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability and ultimate viability of the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps, is maintained to the greatest extent possible to enable them to carry out their roles as assigned by Government. In terms of the SAR process underway, ultimately, decisions on the scope, nature and procurement strategy for the next service will be a matter for Government once the detailed business case has been finalised.
