Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

I do not accept the contract was terminated based on a dubious premise. The difficulties with the winch crew resulted in a major outbreak of the Army version of "blue flu" when many people went sick simultaneously. People are entitled to do that, but the Deputy referred to a temporary industrial relations difficulty. Temporary difficulties can recur and it is impossible to guarantee they will not recur. This service is provided to deal with imminent danger to life. It is, therefore, important that a 24 hour search and rescue service is provided, and it is not as if we are plucking somebody out of the sky. We are contracting a company that has operated to the highest standards in other search and rescue areas.

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