P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 214: To ask the Minister for Transport if the Irish Coast Guard are able to operate helicopters in and out of Bantry General Hospital helipad; if he will list all occurrences in the past 10 years of their helicopters using or being diverted to another site or hospital and the type of helicopter involved; if the Irish Coastguard have any reservations about using the helipad at Bantry Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26887/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The helicopter landing facility at Bantry General Hospital does not meet the criteria laid down by the International Civil Aviation Authority, and implemented by the Irish Aviation Authority for helicopter landings of the Irish Coast Guard medium-lift helicopters. Use of the hospital grounds or the issue of diversion of helicopters has, therefore, never arisen.

Bantry Airfield, at one km distance from Bantry Hospital, is an IAA approved heliport for the Coast Guard helicopters on Search and Rescue, air ambulance and inter-hospital transfer missions. Ambulance transfer takes place between the airfield and the hospital.