Dáil debates

Tuesday, 12 October 2004

Other Questions.

Search and Rescue Service.

3:00 pm

Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 7: To ask the Minister for Defence the reason the Air Corps is continuing to operate the helicopter rescue base in Sligo on behalf of the Irish Coast Guard despite an announcement in December 2003 that he would remove the Air Corps from search and rescue operations; when military pilots and crew will be withdrawn from such operations; when the privately run CHCI helicopter search and rescue crew will begin operating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24183/04]

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As I outlined in my reply to Deputy McGinley, the Air Corps has withdrawn from the provision of search and rescue in the north west with effect from yesterday. The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, which has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime search and rescue services within the Irish search and rescue area has contracted with a private operator, CHCI, to provide the search and rescue service in the north west. CHCI already provides search and rescue services for the rest of the Irish search and rescue area from its bases at Cork, Waterford and Shannon.

I take this opportunity, as I am sure the House would like, to salute the Air Corps for the dedication and bravery shown by its search and rescue crews over the past 40 years. The Air Corps has been involved in some of the most dangerous and daring rescues around our coast, saving more than 3,000 lives. The crews involved undertook these missions in situations that called for the utmost bravery. Many different awards both national and international have formally recognised this down through the years. In fulfilling this rewarding but dangerous task some members of the Air Corps have paid the ultimate price. It is fitting on this occasion to again pay tribute to the crew of Dauphin 248, Captain Mick Baker, Captain Dave O'Flaherty, Sergeant Paddy Mooney and Corporal Niall Byrne who were tragically killed in Waterford in July 1999 while returning from a search and rescue mission.

Bearing all this in mind, it was obviously a very difficult decision my predecessor Deputy Smith had to make last December when it was decided that the Air Corps would withdraw from search and rescue. This decision was taken against what has always been the overriding concern of the Government, and the Air Corps, for the safety of mariners and of anyone who gets into difficulty where SAR can respond. The Air Corps was not in a position to provide the level of service required and so the baton has passed to CHCI, which has proven its dedication and professionalism in this area of endeavour.

This change in provider will not downgrade the level of service provided to mariners or those who live in our island communities. The coast guard mission list includes air ambulance, island relief, medevac etc.

While yesterday was naturally tinged with sadness at leaving SAR, this change marks the beginning of a new era for the Air Corps. Significant investment continues in the Air Corps as a whole, both in infrastructure and in assets. The new Lear jet was delivered at the start of the year and flew more than 78 missions during the Irish EU Presidency. With the delivery of the Pilatus aircraft the Air Corps is engaged in an intensive fixed wing training programme that allows for the continued training of young cadets to the highest standard. This is a very realistic response to the needs of the Air Corps at this time.

Additional information

As I have already outlined, my Department is currently engaged in a tender competition for the acquisition of six new helicopters for the Air Corps. Their primary role will be that of general purpose military operations and training. Primary tasking will include training and operations with the Army, including the ranger wing, security and aid to the civil power, military exercises, infantry interoperability training and limited troop transport. However, these helicopters will also be available to perform air ambulance, aid to the civil authority, community assistance and VIP transport tasks. Air Corps personnel will continue to train to provide a limited non-maritime search and rescue capability within the Defence Forces.

The very significant resources invested in the Air Corps will put it on a very sound footing to meet its commitments to the Defence Forces and to the community into the future.

Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I take it the Minister is saying the new system is being enforced now and that, as I understand it, there was an impasse between the Department of Defence and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. Has that been resolved? Who will fund the new system and which Department will have responsibility for it?

Were we in a position to help in the matter of the Canadian submarine incident?

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am not sure that question is in order, but the first is.

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am not aware of any impasse between the Department of Defence and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. Perhaps it existed before I came to this office. The short answer to the Deputy's question is that the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources will have responsibility for funding this company. It will pay the company for the search and rescue services.

I have a note on the situation with regard to the Deputy's other question, but I require the Ceann Comhairle's permission to read it to the House.

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We have limited time for questions. There are only six minutes for the question and at least three Deputies want time on it.

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The short answer is that we were in a position to help in the situation.

Photo of Jimmy DevinsJimmy Devins (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I add my congratulations to the Minister on his well deserved promotion.

I would like to focus on the role of the Air Corps in the air ambulance. From January 2003 to September 2004 some 116 missions were carried out to the north west by the air ambulance. These missions assisted a range from non-spinal to spinal and neonatal injuries. The air ambulance has been transferred to Baldonnel. Will the Minister consider basing it in the north west so that the flight time between Sligo and Letterkenny General Hospitals and Dublin will be halved? Six highly trained members of the Air Corps reside in the north west but they must be transferred to Baldonnel. Is this decentralisation in reverse?

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Ironically, the helicopter available for use by the Air Corps for search and rescue missions in the north west is the same one that will be used by the new company. The Air Corps leased the helicopter from that company, which has taken it back. The helicopter will be based at the same location and it would be an unnecessary duplication of service to base another Air Corps helicopter there. I assure the House that, far from there being a diminution of service as a result of the change-over, the search and rescue service will be immeasurably enhanced.

Photo of Dinny McGinleyDinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister stated the reason the Air Corps association with search and rescue services was terminated was its inability to provide 24 hour cover. Does he agree that is slightly misleading because the Air Corps provided cover 24 hours a day, seven days a week? A temporary difficulty relating to the winch crew arose in December 2002, which could have been negotiated and settled at the time. Until that difficulty arose, 24 hour cover was provided and the reason for terminating the contract was based on a dubious premise.

Photo of Willie O'DeaWillie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I do not accept the contract was terminated based on a dubious premise. The difficulties with the winch crew resulted in a major outbreak of the Army version of "blue flu" when many people went sick simultaneously. People are entitled to do that, but the Deputy referred to a temporary industrial relations difficulty. Temporary difficulties can recur and it is impossible to guarantee they will not recur. This service is provided to deal with imminent danger to life. It is, therefore, important that a 24 hour search and rescue service is provided, and it is not as if we are plucking somebody out of the sky. We are contracting a company that has operated to the highest standards in other search and rescue areas.