Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I also welcome the Minister of State to the House, and concur with the words of deep sincerity and gratitude of previous speakers to the people who have kept us safe. As Senator Dooley and others have said, some of them tragically have lost their lives. I commend the bravery and dedication of all our search and rescue crews across the country. They provide an invaluable service and regularly place themselves in harm's way, risking life and limb.I commend the Irish Air Corps on its long history of service to the State, including its contribution to search and rescue operations and its current air ambulance service.

I am supporting the Government's motion today for two reasons. First, a process is under way to determine the optimal manner in which we should deliver maritime search and rescue services for the coming decade, and this House should await the results of that process and avoid unnecessary interference. The process will assess the ability of the Irish Air Corps to contribute to Ireland's search and rescue operations in the short term and bring solutions to the Government. Whatever the results of these dual processes, we must encourage in future a whole-of-government approach to aviation and ensure all Departments and State agencies work towards a common agenda. Second, the Commission on the Defence Forces is examining the future roles and structures of the Irish Air Corps at present and may make a determination on the Air Corps's long-term involvement in this field. Specifically on the Irish Coast Guard and the Air Corps, we must break down barriers between these organisations and ensure they work collaboratively. We must also ensure they are resourced adequately to carry out their important and life-saving work.

I commend Senator Craughwell for tabling this motion. As a legislator in the Upper House, he has every entitlement to do so. He is deeply passionate about Óglaigh na hÉireann's role in protecting the people of Ireland. He is deeply passionate about the Air Corps, search and rescue crews, and the Defence Forces. He has a track record that is second to none and he is an advocate of what is best. At the heart of what he wants are transparency and accountability. As a legislator, he has every entitlement to introduce this motion. It helps to make people think and to put this important issue on the agenda. Why not, at the appropriate time, question the entire process? Perhaps this is not the day for the Senator's specific motion but it is a brave, valiant effort to save the Exchequer millions of euro and, in doing so, provide a more efficient, independent and reliable service. This is what I interpret to be at the heart of his motivation, which is unquestioned and beyond reproach. We are fortunate in the Oireachtas to have individuals such as Senator Craughwell. Among them is Senator Wall, who contributed just before me. He comes from a county with a very fine military tradition. I detected since I became a Senator last year the total respect that we have for Óglaigh na hÉireann, An Garda Síochána, search and rescue crews and everyone else.

The Minister might update us on the Commission on the Defence Forces. We may have findings from it before the end of the year. Perhaps that will be an appropriate time to examine its recommendations in great detail. Perhaps in the not-too-distant future, we could have another motion on the floor of the House to determine the best long-term way forward for Ireland, in addition to the most modern way keeping in line with the most modern practices. The time is near for a fundamental review. We should not fear reviews. They should be able to stand up to robust scrutiny from us as legislators. That is our job. I am delighted the Minister is present today to answer on the motion. On this occasion, I am more than pleased to support the Government. Its countermeasure makes an awful lot of sense. I am 100% behind it but that is not in any way to belittle Senator Craughwell's motion.