Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Over the last number of years, I have spoken frequently on search and rescue in this country. We lost four very good people when R116 crashed off the coast of Mayo. This morning, I received information that R117 from Sligo was flying off Derry on Sunday. The aircraft was overstressed, lost control and exceeded its maximum airspeed. The UK Civil Aviation Authority has impounded the aircraft to conduct a full investigation.

I also understand that the operator's accounts for 2020 and 2021 show it is insolvent. It lost over €3 million in 2020 and €2.5 million in 2021. I understand it is operating without licensed technicians. This is outrageous. What is more, unless we can prove that there are licensed technicians operating in each of the stations that the operator is working in, then the entire fleet must be grounded until such time as we can guarantee the safety of the people who are working for that organisation. I am asking for an amendment to the Order of Business today.