Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy's questions merit answers. I will answer the question about what my Department is doing on foot of safety recommendations issued in the interim report, which I think is what the Deputy is addressing. The safety recommendation was that I "carry out a thorough review of SAR aviation operations in Ireland to ensure that there are appropriate processes, resources and personnel in place to provide effective, continuous, comprehensive and independent oversight of all aspects of these operations". My Department immediately set about commissioning a report by suitably qualified independent experts with strong international experience. The review process and the report were also the subject of peer review by various search and rescue entities in other jurisdictions. The report was published on the departmental website on 21 September 2018. There was a follow-up to the report on oversight of SAR aviation. Following publication of the Aerospace Qualified Entity, AQE, report on SAR aviation oversight, I committed to implement in full and without delay the 12 recommendations contained in the report. As matters stand, good progress is being made in line with timelines set out in the report.

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