Seán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Question 368: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of call outs made by the air sea rescue helicopters based in Waterford, Shannon, Sligo and Dublin in 2007, 2008 and 2009; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12720/10]

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 378: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of times in the past five years that the 24 hour south east rescue helicopter has been called out to emergencies or incidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12977/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 368, 374, 375, 376, 377 and 378 together.

There has been much ill-informed comment about the proposed new SAR contract. Because we are in the "standstill" period of the procurement process and about to commence contract negotiations I am somewhat constrained by what I can say. However I can make the following points in response to some comments made.

The new contract has been presented as a "cutback" in services; nothing could be further from the truth. The new contract will cost significantly more on an annual basis than the current contract because of the improved services to be provided.

The Government has just approved a massive half a billion euro investment in maritime search and rescue capability on the island. The proposed contract represents a dramatic increase in funding for SAR helicopter services in Ireland from approximately €30 million to €50 million per annum. This is an increase, in difficult circumstances, of €20 million a year in this service alone. The new contract represents a stepped improvement in the capacity, range, speed and capability of Ireland's SAR service. The detailed statistics requested cannot be provided at this time due to industrial action. However I will provide the Deputies with a table and charts that may be of interest to them.

Seán Connick (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Question 369: To ask the Minister for Transport the reasons for the proposed reduction in hours for the air sea rescue helicopter service based in Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12721/10]

John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Question 380: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will ensure that the 24 hour search and rescue service is maintained in the south east. [13070/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 369 and 380 together.

No changes in helicopter availability will occur until the 1st of July 2013 and will be the subject of ongoing review. A preferred bidder has been nominated for the supply of the service using modern medium-load helicopters, which will improve the service nationally, albeit at significantly increased cost. As contract negotiations have yet to begin and we are presently in the standstill period required by procurement regulations, I do not intend to comment any further on the matter at this time. However, I can assure Deputies that the Government is specifically committed to keeping the level of provision of service at Waterford under review in the period to 2013.