Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy raised some legitimate points. I will ask that they be brought to the attention of the Minister of State at the Department of Defence and he might reply directly to the Deputy.

The focus is on returning the service to full capacity. The loss of 16 days is regrettable but necessary from a safety and governance perspective. I know the Deputy will accept and appreciate that if advice is given on safety, it must be adhered to. At least there is a fall-back position in this case and it is being implemented. During this time there will be a training surge to produce a new cohort of commanders. Steps have been taken to ensure there is an air ambulance service available on the 16 days in question. As I indicated previously, the Irish Coast Guard, complemented by the Irish Community Rapid Response service will provide additional cover using a second helicopter which will be based at Roscommon University Hospital on those days. This necessity for short-term measures is regrettable but it will contribute to the longer-term viability of the service.

The Deputy will know as well as I do that there is no silver bullet when it comes to the provision of pilots. I am not a military aficionado but I expect that pilots are highly trained individuals who are highly sought after. There is a shortage of pilots. As I stated, the Minister of State is pursuing a number of measures, including the reintroduction of the service commitment scheme, the recommissioning of former Air Corps pilots and the training of junior pilots. These measures are being taken to ensure the service can be reintroduced. The Minister of State has been advised that a maximum of 16 days will be lost. The Deputy has sought further assurances and I will ask the Minister of State to reply to him directly in writing.

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