Written answers

Tuesday, 1 June 2004

Department of Defence

Air Corps Strength

9:00 pm

Photo of John PerryJohn Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Defence when funding for Air Corps services in Sligo will be sanctioned in view of the fact that, due to inadequate funding, the level of service is being jeopardised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16161/04]

Michael Smith (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Coastguard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime Search and Rescue Service within the Irish search and rescue region. The Air Corps provides the Search and Rescue Service off the north west coast while CHCI, a private operator, provides the service from Dublin, Shannon and Waterford.

Late last year, I announced my decision to withdraw the Air Corps from the Search and Rescue Service. This decision was only made following a considered assessment of the capacity of the Air Corps to return to and maintain a full 24 hour service in the north west. As the Deputy may recall, the service had been restricted following on from an unusually high incidence of sick leave among the winchcrews. There is no plan to reconsider the decision to withdraw the Air Corps from the Search and Rescue Service and, as such, the question of extra funding for the Air Corps does not arise in this regard. The Air Corps will continue to provide its current limited service, while the Irish Coastguard makes alternative arrangements for the return of a full Search and Rescue Service in the north west. I have been informed by my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, that the proposals are still under assessment and a final decision in this regard is expected shortly.

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