Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 33: To ask the Minister for Defence if he will tender for the search and rescue facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2775/07]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime Search and Rescue services within the Irish Search and Rescue region. The Defence Forces are committed to providing support to the civil authorities specifically in relation to search and rescue. In this regard, the Naval Service and Air Corps provide support to the Coast Guard as the need arises and within their available capability.

The Air Corps had been providing Search and Rescue (SAR) services in the North West but withdrew in October 2004 following a handover of this role to CHCI, a private operator, which also provides the service at the country's other SAR bases at Dublin, Shannon and Waterford.

There is no plan to reconsider the decision to withdraw the Air Corps from the maritime search and rescue service.