Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I will deal with some of the issues raised by the Deputy, although I cannot respond to certain questions because I will not prejudge the outcome of the investigation being conducted. Issues raised by the Deputy are directly relevant to that investigation and it is appropriate that we learn the answers from the investigation.

The helicopter involved in the unfortunate accident yesterday was deemed to be the appropriate aircraft as it was based in Custume Barracks and in the context of providing the service as I described it. It is of a type that is used appropriately for this service elsewhere. There is an issue with the size of helicopter used with reference to the aircraft that can be appropriately accommodated in Custume Barracks because of its proximity to what is generally an open urban area.

One of the issues with regard to the resumption of the service from Custume Barracks concerns the damage, if any, done to the medical equipment for this helicopter in order to provide the service deemed to be important to benefit the area. The preliminary investigation by the air accident investigation unit must take place first, as no medical equipment can be accessed or removed from the helicopter until after the investigation is complete. It will then be further assessed in terms of its suitability for future use. I do not know if the same equipment can be used in another helicopter, or if additional equipment may be required.

There are a number of questions asked by the Deputy for which I do not have an immediate answer. I hope we will have the answers in the not too distant future. I am very conscious that the service was put in place to benefit a great many people in the region and that it was widely welcomed. I hope that, as envisaged, it will be able to resume it without undue delay. The incident was most unfortunate, but I am pleased no serious injury resulted from it, which obviously would have been a matter of concern. It is not clear to me when the damaged helicopter will be back in service or what work will require to be undertaken on it. I hope to have the answers to these questions within a reasonable period. I want to be able to state without undue delay what the position is on providing an ongoing service.

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