John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the decision made by the Government yesterday to award the new search and rescue services contract. The contract has received much debate in this House and further afield. The important thing for me is that the contract maintains the four bases of Waterford, Shannon, Sligo and Dublin. A new operator will take over this very significant contract worth €670 million. It is important we recognise the work done by the current contract operator, CHC Ireland. I thank all the men and women who have served the Irish Coast Guard over the last 20 years with that company, and the Air Corps before that.

The contract contains a provision that allows for a fixed-wing element and that it can transfer to the Air Corps after a period of five years, which is welcome. There are many people in this House and outside of it who cast doubt over whether the four bases would be maintained. It is a very welcome decision by the Government to include that as a pre-condition of the contract process last year when this issue arose. The most important thing is that we have the most reliable and quality service provided to the people of Ireland for the next ten years, with a possible extension of a further three years.

I put on record my thanks to the men and women who work every single day of the week, 24-7 and 365 days a year to provide an unbelievable service to keep all of us safe in our waters and lakes and on our mountains and land. It is a remarkable service and exceptional value for money. It is extremely important the services are maintained and continued. Again, I welcome the Government's decision as it puts to bed any doubt about the retention of four bases, which I really welcome.