Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me the opportunity to raise this important issue on the floor of the House today. The air accident investigation unit is investigating what the Defence Forces called a heavy landing but was in fact a crash by the Air Corps of a Eurocopter helicopter operating the emergency aeromedical service, EAS, in County Tipperary yesterday. Significant damage was done to the helicopter but, thankfully, the Air Corps crew and Health Service Executive, HSE, paramedic staff escaped without injury. I hope the patient they were hoping to transfer is making a full recovery in hospital now. I understand the patient ended up being transferred by road to hospital.

The accident happened as a result of the helicopter becoming entangled in overhead electricity cables. The ambulance service feeds instructions to the Air Corps about potential landing sites for the airlifting of patients. What role did ground crew play in this? Significant damage has been done to the tail section of the helicopter. What is the extent of this damage? How long will it be before it is put back into service? What are the contingency plans for this service? There is one other Eurocopter helicopter available. Will it be made operational to get the EAS back in place? If so, when will it be made operational?

Why was the choice made for the Eurocopter rather than the Augusta Westland helicopter? The latter is fully equipped to provide 24-hour air ambulance missions while the Eurocopter can only operate in daylight. Across the world there have been accidents involving emergency aeromedical services because it is a risky business and requires skilled staff. Why were designated landing sites not used in this process before the service was put up and running? A list was compiled in some local authority areas of specific designated sites where an ambulance could actually meet the helicopter and have no issues with overhead lines. For some reason, this was not put into the final protocols for this service. Why was this the case?

Is the EAS regulated by the Irish Aviation Authority? If not, why not? Who is responsible for regulating the medical aspect of the service? Yesterday's accident was extremely unfortunate and gives rise to several questions that need to be answered. We want to see a fully fledged EAS operational across the island. We want to ensure those involved not just in traumas but who have had a stroke or heart attack can be airlifted in the minimum time to the nearest centre of excellence. The reason for the establishment of this service was the closure of the accident and emergency department in Roscommon County Hospital. People who suffer a heart attack, strike or a trauma in the hospital's catchment area cannot be brought to Galway University Hospital within the golden 90 minutes required. I look forward to the Minister's response.

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