Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

As I outlined in my reply to Deputy McGinley, the Air Corps has withdrawn from the provision of search and rescue in the north west with effect from yesterday. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, which has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime search and rescue services within the Irish search and rescue area has contracted with a private operator, CHCI, to provide the search and rescue service in the north west. CHCI already provides search and rescue services for the rest of the Irish search and rescue area from its bases at Cork, Waterford and Shannon.

I take this opportunity, as I am sure the House would like, to salute the Air Corps for the dedication and bravery shown by its search and rescue crews over the past 40 years. The Air Corps has been involved in some of the most dangerous and daring rescues around our coast, saving more than 3,000 lives. The crews involved undertook these missions in situations that called for the utmost bravery. Many different awards both national and international have formally recognised this down through the years. In fulfilling this rewarding but dangerous task some members of the Air Corps have paid the ultimate price. It is fitting on this occasion to again pay tribute to the crew of Dauphin 248, Captain Mick Baker, Captain Dave O'Flaherty, Sergeant Paddy Mooney and Corporal Niall Byrne who were tragically killed in Waterford in July 1999 while returning from a search and rescue mission.

Bearing all this in mind, it was obviously a very difficult decision my predecessor Deputy Smith had to make last December when it was decided that the Air Corps would withdraw from search and rescue. This decision was taken against what has always been the overriding concern of the Government, and the Air Corps, for the safety of mariners and of anyone who gets into difficulty where SAR can respond. The Air Corps was not in a position to provide the level of service required and so the baton has passed to CHCI, which has proven its dedication and professionalism in this area of endeavour.

This change in provider will not downgrade the level of service provided to mariners or those who live in our island communities. The coast guard mission list includes air ambulance, island relief, medevac etc.

While yesterday was naturally tinged with sadness at leaving SAR, this change marks the beginning of a new era for the Air Corps. Significant investment continues in the Air Corps as a whole, both in infrastructure and in assets. The new Lear jet was delivered at the start of the year and flew more than 78 missions during the Irish EU Presidency. With the delivery of the Pilatus aircraft the Air Corps is engaged in an intensive fixed wing training programme that allows for the continued training of young cadets to the highest standard. This is a very realistic response to the needs of the Air Corps at this time.

Additional information

As I have already outlined, my Department is currently 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 tasking will include training and operations with the Army, including the ranger wing, 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 authority, community assistance 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 very significant resources invested in the Air Corps will put it on a very sound footing to meet its commitments to the Defence Forces and to the community into the future.

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