Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

2. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if the Air Corps was requested to provide top cover for Coast Guard helicopter Rescue 116 during its ill-fated mission off the County Mayo coast; if its inability to assist in the search-and-recovery mission was directly attributable to cuts which have reduced the number of air traffic controllers and other experienced personnel to the point that the Air Corps can no longer operate on a 24-hour basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15539/17]

See this speech in context