Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

In the absence of the Minister for Transport, I ask the Minister of State, Deputy Andrews, to take serious note of this issue. It is very unusual in an Adjournment debate in this House that the three main parties are represented and speaking off the same hymn sheet with the same concerns.

I am one of the people who has been privileged to experience first hand the professionalism of the search and rescue helicopter service coming from Waterford, having been picked up off a boat in fairly rough conditions, and I am convinced that this is a misguided decision. It will put people's lives in danger and in time will be reversed following a tragedy off the south or south east coast, whether that be 50 miles south of Waterford or off Kinsale or Cork Harbour. It is not acceptable to have only day time cover for the entire south coast, from Wexford through to Glandore and 50 miles southwards. These are busy fishing waters with shipping lanes which are used for recreational purposes, including angling and sailing. It is not true that a helicopter based in Shannon or Dublin could cover this section of water in an adequate time period. Time is of the essence if a boat is sinking or someone is in the water at night. Fortunately, a number of lives have been saved in the past two or three years directly as a result of having an active and professional helicopter service based in Waterford.

To seek to save no more than €1 million per annum in the context of a contract worth €500 million over ten years is irresponsible and will, unfortunately, result in a tragic and unnecessary death off the south coast. I understand the contract will be signed next week. I ask the Minister of State to appeal to the Cabinet to reverse its decision before the signing take place.

See this speech in context