Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators for raising this matter. On 30 May 2023, the Government approved the awarding of the next generation Coast Guard search and rescue aviation service contract to Bristow Ireland Limited. The new contract will enable the Irish Coast Guard to continue to provide world-class maritime and inland search and rescue services, environmental monitoring, helicopter emergency medical and air ambulance services, with enhanced mission control and communications systems and, for the first time, introduces a fixed wing element. This long-term next generation contract will run for ten years, with options to extend out to 13 years, to 2036. The contract makes provision for the Air Corps to provide the fixed wing service after five years.

The new contractor, Bristow Ireland Limited, was selected following an extensive and comprehensive procurement project undertaken by my Department that included an initial market engagement process, a pre-qualifying process, an initial request for tender, a negotiation process and final evaluation of a best and final offer tender from the shortlisted bidders. The Chief State Solicitor’s Office, with assistance on occasion from the Office of the Attorney General, provided legal advice to the Department throughout all stages of the process. An independent external process auditor provided regular written assurances to the Accounting Officer of the Department, confirming that each stage of the procurement process complied in full with all relevant EU procurement rules and national guidance, and that the evaluation of tender submissions was conducted with the highest level of professionalism, rigour, and diligence and was evidence-based.

The new service contract provides for the operation of four helicopter bases all on 24-7 duty. Bristow Ireland Limited will operate six AW189 helicopters from four dedicated bases in Shannon, Sligo, Waterford and Dublin Weston Airport. All bases will have enhanced crew accommodation facilities.In an expansion to the current aviation service for the Coast Guard, two King Air fixed-wing aircraft based at Shannon Airport will provide support for Coast Guard search and rescue operations and environmental monitoring. This will provide for 24-7 availability of one fixed-wing aircraft at any one time. The new aviation service will be delivered through a fleet of modern fuel-efficient aircraft, which have the potential to reduce emissions. The new contract and in particular the fixed-wing element will also provide the Coast Guard with an enhanced capability to monitor the maritime environment, mindful that we anticipate major investment in offshore renewable energy and a growth in continental and other international maritime traffic in the years ahead.

In addition to delivering on its primary roles, the contract provides added value to the State in that the Coast Guard will continue to be equipped to support inland search and rescue, missing person searches and mountain rescue in collaboration with mountain rescue teams, as well as provision of air ambulance and patient transfer services to the National Ambulance Service, including day and night air ambulance services to the offshore island communities and the provision of any other emergency support or humanitarian requests that may arise.

The addition of the fixed-wing capability will greatly enhance the Coast Guard’s capacity to deliver on its assigned roles. The Department and the Irish Coast Guard look forward to working closely with Bristow Ireland Limited in delivering these essential State services. The transition will be a gradual process and the new aviation service will be introduced on a phased basis between now and July 2025 with the first base not going live until quarter 4 of 2024.

The Department and the Irish Coast Guard will facilitate and support and expects to see an orderly and seamless transfer of operations between both contractors - CHCI and Bristow Ireland. The current contract requires that the outgoing operator, CHC, enters into an exit plan and co-operates fully with the Minister and any other party in the transfer of arrangements as may be notified to him by the Minister.

I fully recognise the professionalism and dedication of all personnel engaged in the provision of this essential State service. The specialist expertise of the CHC personnel is highly valued and the experience gained over many years in providing Irish Coast Guard search and rescue and other aviation services will continue to be a valued and sought-after resource. It is imperative that existing and future staff be fully appraised of employment and advancement opportunities available under the new service so as to reduce any uncertainty or distraction.

To that end, I understand Bristow Ireland has indicated that it will be applying the principles of the transfer of undertakings, TUPE, provisions in transferring staff into the new operation. It is currently engaging proactively with Fórsa and Unite trade unions and with the incumbent contractor on a regular basis with a view to agreeing the modalities for the transfer of responsibility of the service, including staff, in line with its respective contractual obligations.

As with the introduction of an any new system, challenges and risks will emerge from time to time. It is important that systems and structures are in place to manage these risks. A new dedicated team has been established within my Department to manage and oversee the implementation of the new contract. There is regular constructive engagement with both the incumbent and the new service provider. Transition progress is being monitored formally on a monthly basis and more frequently as required. I assure the House that during this transition phase, continued safe, efficient and effective aviation services for the Irish Coast Guard is the overarching priority for all concerned.