John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 259: To ask the Minister for Transport his plans to reorganise or reconfigure the air sea rescue service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45405/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Coast Guard, a Division of my Department, has contracted a civilian Search and Rescue helicopter service, based in Dublin, Shannon, Waterford and Sligo. These helicopters are available on a 24 hour 365 day basis for emergency response on any part of the coastline. The Irish Coast Guard is presently in a tender process to renew the current helicopter contract, which will expire in 2010. There are no plans at present to re-organise or re-configure the current Search and Rescue helicopter service, pending the outcome of the tender process.

The Coast Guard also manages and operates 3 co-ordination/communication centres at Dublin, Malin Head and Valentia. These centres are being developed. Dublin will be completed mid 2010, and it is intended to commence refurbishment of one of the other centres later next year. The Coast Guard also manages local volunteer rescue units, providing coastal search and cliff rescue. It is planned to rationalise these units over time.