Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)

I thank the Deputies. At the outset, I acknowledge their work and commitment. I acknowledge their support and the support of their party for the N24 on behalf of the Government and recognise their contribution to that debate previously. On behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Canney, who has responsibility for international and road transport, logistics, rail and ports, I thank them both for raising this very important matter on behalf of their constituents.

The Irish Coast Guard search and rescue, SAR, aviation services are provided under a contract that is currently transitioning to Bristow Ireland Limited. The previous contractor, CHCI, has operated the service since 2012. On 30 May 2023, the Government approved the decision to award a contract for provision of the next national SAR aviation service to Bristow Helicopters. The decision to award the next contract for the delivery of an enhanced contract specification followed a comprehensive and robust public procurement process, which was undertaken fully in accordance with all national and EU procurement rules. Bristow Ireland is a subsidiary of Bristow Group Incorporated, a US-based multinational company. Bristow Group Incorporated currently operates similar contracts for SAR services in other jurisdictions, including the UK and the Netherlands. They also have extensive experience in supporting the offshore oil and gas business internationally.

The total cost of the new contract, as signed on 11 August 2023, for the standard ten-year contract term for rotary wing element, plus the five-year minimum term for the fixed-wing elements, amounts to €816 million, including VAT. The Minister has the discretion to extend both the rotary and fixed-wing elements to a maximum of 13 years.

The new enhanced contract specification provides for the operation of six AW189 helicopters, five of which are newly built and have already been accepted into service by Bristow, with the sixth helicopter scheduled to arrive in Ireland later this year. These helicopters utilise latest-generation search and rescue technology, including modern night vision flying equipment. In addition, for the first time, the new contract includes a fixed-wing element, which is being delivered by 2Excel Ireland, subcontractors to Bristow Ireland Limited, BIL, using two King Air aircraft. The fixed-wing service is a notable addition to the State, enhancing the Coast Guard’s SAR capabilities, including inland and maritime provision of top cover communications for longer range helicopter missions; a life raft drop capability; maritime environmental protection measures, including investigation of pollution and ship casualty reports; and capacity to transport up to three ambulatory patients for emergency national or international transfers.

The new integrated aviation service will enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to deliver on its core services, including maritime and inland search and rescue; maritime environmental monitoring, including pollution checks; providing aeromedical supports to the HSE and the National Ambulance Service, including helicopter emergency supports and interhospital transfers; the provision of day and night-time aeromedical support to the offshore island communities; and provision of aviation supports to other State organisations. The new contract also provides improved crew accommodation facilities and enhanced mission management technology.

As with existing arrangements, the new contract provides for the operation of four search and rescue helicopter bases located at Sligo, Shannon, Waterford and Dublin at Weston, and for a fixed-wing service also located in Shannon.

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