Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I apologise to the Taoiseach for not being here earlier but I was in the Department of Finance dealing with other matters.

Perhaps I could make a helpful suggestion. Part of the national emergency response is the air-sea marine rescue service. A contract in respect of helicopters will soon be signed with a major international company. Deputy Deasy and other Members from the south-east have raised this matter with me. In view of the helpful comments by the Taoiseach last week on committees being able to do their work, perhaps that process could be considered by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport prior to signing the contract. I suggest this on the basis of Waterford not wishing to be left out in terms of a 24 hour service. There are valid reasons for delivering on that.

I understand the Air Corps is interested in examining what it can provide, in terms of cost efficiency and effectiveness for the State. A letter has been received by the chairman of the Joint Committee on Transport and it would be a very good exercise for politicians from all parties to look at a process like this and be able to do their work before there is a sign-off for a ten year period. It might be possible to deliver projects in a more cost-effective and comprehensive way. I do not know all the details but it would be a very valid exercise for the Oireachtas joint committee and I would like the Taoiseach to give his support to that.

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