John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)

In recent days, the Minister for Transport, Deputy Noel Dempsey, has made a number of what could be characterised as insulting or at least dubious comments. At a road opening a couple of days ago, he stated that the Coast Guard service was the entity that made the recommendation on the helicopter service which went before Cabinet for decision. That is not true, as we learned in our discussions with representatives of the Coast Guard service a couple of days ago. They made clear that while they laid out some options for the Department, it was the Department that made the specific recommendation that went to Cabinet. That is an important point of distinction.

The Minister also stated the measure would result in a better service. While it may create a better service for people on the western and northern seaboards and parts of the eastern seaboard, it will certainly not create a better service for the southern and south eastern coastlines. The important point is that someone who ends up in the water after an accident will have to wait longer for a helicopter to come to his or her rescue.

The budget for the rescue service contract over ten years has been increased to more than €500 million. How one can end up with a worse service after increasing the budget demonstrates, without a shadow of a doubt, bad government.

Deputies debated the Road Traffic Bill this week. I cannot help but recall the premise cited for introducing the Bill, particularly its provisions on drink-driving. It was touted in the newspapers week after week that the drink-driving measure would save between one and ten lives every year. The decision by the Cabinet to remove the 24 hour helicopter rescue service from Waterford will cost lives in the south and south east. The level of concern shown for road traffic accident victims does not appear to be matched by concern for people in the region affected by the decision.

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