Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021
42. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Defence the current search and rescue capacity of the Defence Forces; the plans in place to increase that capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34622/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Defence Forces are not the primary response agency for serach and rescue (SAR) services in Ireland, either on-island or at sea. This being said, the Defence Forces provide supports and services to the relevant Lead Department or Primary Response Agency on an as available basis as and when required.
In relation to on-island SAR, as I have already noted, the Defence Forces are not a primary response agency for non-security related emergencies, as defined in the Framework for Major Emergency Management, however they provide the fullest possible assistance to the appropriate Lead Department or Principal Response Agency, in the event of a natural disaster or emergency situation in its Aid to Civil Authority (ATCA) role. In this regard, the full spectrum of Defence Forces personnel and equipment, commensurate with operational requirements, is made available for deployments, within current means and capabilities, as the need arises.
In relation to maritime SAR, since 2004 the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) has had overall responsibility for the provision of SAR services within the Irish Search and Rescue domain. The IRCG fall under the remit of the Minister for Transport. From within the Defence Organisation, both the Naval Service and the Air Corps provide support to the IRCG in maritime SAR operations on an “as available” basis. A Service Level Agreement is in place with the Irish Coast Guard setting out agreed roles and responsibilities in this regard.
In terms of the Air Corps' current role in the aviation aspect of SAR, at the request of the Irish Coast Guard, services currently provided by the Air Corps to the Coast Guard on an “as available” basis include:-
- Search & Rescue, search support in a number of settings including the potential to act as on-scene air Co-ordinator if required,
- Island Medevacs when the IRCG are unable to respond,
- Maritime counter pollution patrolling & monitoring,
- Maritime surveillance,
- Air Deployed life raft tasks,
- Environmental escort duties,
- Representation on Committees,
- Partake in joint training exercises as required
- Emergency temporary accommodation at Baldonnel for IRCG helicopters in the event of extraordinary circumstances (subject to availability and security requirements),
- And technical advice as appropriate.
I have acknowledged in this House and in other fora that I would like to explore further the option of the Air Corps providing some element of the SAR aviation service, given their historical role in this area. I have confirmed previously that 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 search and rescue and represents value for money for the State.
I have not been prescriptive as regards what model any potential SAR marine aviation service delivery by the Air Corps could take. There is much to consider and exmaine, including legal considerations, as part of this process. Any future SAR capacity of the Air Corps will be depedent on the outcome of this process. Ultimately, decisions on the scope, nature and procurement strategy for the next SAR marine aviation service will be a matter for Government once the detailed appraisal and business case has been finalised by the Department of Transport. Should the Air Corps be assigned responsibility for some aspect of SAR marine aviation service then the requiremet for increased SAR capacity will be examined.
In addition the Naval Service also has roles in the maritime SAR domain. At the request of the Irish Coast Guard, services currently provided by the Naval Service to the Coast Guard on an “as available” basis include:-
- Search & Rescue/Recovery support,
- Accommodation of IRCG personnel onboard Naval Service ships as required,
- Towage in restricted circumstances,
- Escort supports,
- Enforcement of Exclusion Zones,
- Diving Unit Assistance,
- Technical Assistance and Support,
- Ship Casualty & Pollution Monitoring & Control,
- Representation on Committees,
- Partake in joint training exercises as required.
