Gabrielle McFadden (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Craughwell does not like me mentioning it because he thinks it is his issue but actually it is mine, too. I fear for the air ambulance in Custume Barracks. In 2012, Custume Barracks had a pilot scheme for the air ambulance and I fought very hard when I was a Deputy to make sure the air ambulance would remain there permanently, which it did. I subsequently fought for a hangar and for funding to be put in place in order that there would be a permanent home for the air ambulance in Custume Barracks, despite some Independent Deputies claiming victory there. We now have an issue with pay and conditions, not just for soldiers but also for pilots. There are supposed to be 107 pilots but there are actually only 78 in the Air Corps. It is better for them to work in the private sector because pay and conditions are better. I am concerned about this air ambulance. I know the Taoiseach has voiced his opinion and said he feels it should be kept. I ask the Leader to use his good office to request the Minister of State with responsibility for defence to come to the House to discuss the possibility of looking at pay and conditions for all soldiers, but specifically for the air ambulance, and to make sure he can guarantee us that it is safe and will remain in Custume Barracks in Athlone.