Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

No decision has yet been taken to change any aspect of the current delivery model for search and rescue aviation services in Ireland's search and rescue, SAR, domain. There is, as I am sure the Deputy is aware, currently a project ongoing under the remit of the Department of Transport to consider, develop and bring to fruition a new marine search and rescue aviation contract for future service provision. The current contract for the SAR helicopter service is between the Minister of Transport and a civil helicopter operator, namely, CHC Ireland DAC. The contract commenced on 1 July 2012 for a period of ten years, with an option to extend for a further three years. The existing contract has been extended for one year to 2023 to facilitate the lengthy procurement process and ensure compliance with the public spending code.

As the House is aware, a strategic assessment and preliminary appraisal document in line with the public service code was brought to the Government for information last July. It included an appraisal of various service delivery options, including where the State assumed full responsibility for the service, either through the Air Corps or a dedicated Irish Coast Guard aviation branch. Both were ruled out for a variety of reasons, notably the risks to the State and questions around potential affordability and deliverability. I agree with the strategic assessment and preliminary appraisal to which I have referred and I do not see the Air Corps taking full responsibility for SAR services in Ireland’s search and rescue domain. I think many people in the Air Corps would agree with that assessment in terms of the timelines and capacity issues involved.

I have acknowledged in the House and other forums that I would like to explore further the option of the Air Corps providing some element of the SAR aviation service, given its historical role in this area. I confirmed previously that late last year I asked my officials to engage further with the Department of Transport to explore the option of the Air Corps providing some element of the next generation SAR aviation service while ensuring that the service meets domestic and international obligations for search and rescue and represents value for money for the State. I have not been prescriptive regarding what model any potential SAR marine aviation service delivery by the Air Corps could take. There is much to consider and examine, including legal considerations, as part of this process. I thank my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, for his proactive engagement and that of his team on this matter with the defence organisation in recent months.

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