Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 May 2021
208. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the provision of military search and rescue is of a lower regulatory oversight and enforcement standard than that of civilian provided search and rescue services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25388/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) is responsible for response to, and coordination of, maritime accidents which require search and rescue and ship casualty operations. The aviation search and rescue activities of the IRCG are carried out by a commercial aviation operator. Currently European aviation safety regulations (Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 and rules and regulations flowing from it) do not apply to aircraft and personnel engaged in coast guard aviation activities. Aviation activities carried out by or/and on behalf of the IRCG are regulated at national level by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) as provided for by the Irish Aviation Authority Act 1993. I understand that, state aircraft and Air Corps personnel may on occasion, when available, provide assistance to the Coast Guard in search and rescue missions. The regulation and oversight of the state aircraft and Air Corps personnel that provide such occasional assistance in relation to civil search and rescue is a matter for the Minister for Defence.
