Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

It is unfortunate that I must speak tonight on the Coast Guard helicopter service serving the south east and waters off the south east and south coasts. This is a vital service for people in counties Cork, Waterford, Wexford and south County Wicklow. As a Deputy from a county with a strong fishing industry, I am all too aware of the importance of the Coast Guard helicopter service. A number of fishing tragedies occurred in late 2007 and early 2008, primarily in counties Waterford and Wexford, although a number of boat owners in County Cork were also involved. At that time, the importance of the service became clear.

Deputy Coveney is correct that the proposed measure will be reversed when lives are lost. I cannot believe the Cabinet gave a green light to a recommendation to reduce the Coast Guard helicopter service based at Waterford Airport. The decision to reduce the service to daylight hours only is a major issue in the affected counties. It is sad that the Cabinet agreed that lives will be put at risk for the sake of money.

When I asked how a major tragedy off the Cork, Waterford or Wexford coasts would be handled by emergency helicopters based in Shannon, Sligo or Dublin, I was informed the new fleet of helicopters is 50% faster than the current fleet. I do not accept this is a solution because having a local service is the best and safest practice. It is unacceptable that the Waterford based service will be reduced to daylight hours. A person's life is worth more than the potential savings from the proposal. A full 24 hour, seven day service would cost an additional €1 million.

I ask the Minister of State to tell the Minister for Transport and his officials that people living along the southern and south eastern coastlines will not accept the Government's decision lying down. The proposal is a holy scandal and the Minister for Transport must reconsider it.

I thought members of the Cabinet were considerate individuals. The decision to reduce the Coast Guard helicopter service in the southern and south eastern coasts is absurd. I ask the Minister to reverse it before the contract is signed in the days ahead.

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