Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 and 76 together.

The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime search and rescue services within the Irish search and rescue region. The Air Corps has been providing search and rescue services off the north-west coast but withdrew yesterday following a hand-over of this role to CHCI, a private operator, which currently provides the service at the country's other search and rescue bases at Dublin, Shannon and Waterford.

I understand from my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, that CHCI will provide continuity of search and rescue service to the coastal, island and seafaring communities in the north west. I understand that the mission list for the Irish Coast Guard's service includes air ambulance, island relief, medevac etc.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department is engaged in a tender competition for the acquisition of six new helicopters for the Air Corps. Their primary role will be that of general purpose military operations and training. Primary tasks will include training and operations with the Army, security and aid to the civil power, military exercises, infantry interoperability training and limited troop transport. However, these helicopters will also be available to perform air ambulance, aid to the civil community and VIP transport tasks. Air Corps personnel will continue to train to provide a limited non-maritime search and rescue capability within the Defence Forces.

The White Paper on Defence establishes the roles of the Defence Forces as including the provision of services to civil authorities as and when required. The Defence Forces have never been found wanting in this regard, particularly in times of floods, forest fires, severe weather conditions or any other emergencies faced by the community. In the event of an emergency request from the Irish Coast Guard or from any other service, the Air Corps will obviously respond to any such request in its usual efficient and supportive manner and to the best of its capability.

See this speech in context