Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 32: To ask the Minister for Transport if any costing was done before the decision was made to outsource the marine search and rescue service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24976/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Contracting of the aeronautical maritime search and rescue commenced in Ireland in September 1991 with the transfer of the Shannon base to civilian service delivery. The entire national aeronautical maritime search and rescue service has been fully transferred to contract delivery since 2004.

Prior to commencing the tender process for the next contract, the Department of Transport and the Department of Defence considered the possibility of the Department of Defence taking over responsibility for maritime Search and Rescue operations. The Department of Defence consulted with the Air Corps at that time. It was concluded that the re-entry of the Air Corps to this area of operations was not feasible.

In the tender competition seven contractors passed the expressions of interest stage and two finally submitted valid bids. A Process Auditor oversaw the competition from commencement to nomination of the successful bidder.

The new contract with CHC Ireland will run for 10 years and will represent a stepped improvement in the safety, range, speed, and capability of Ireland's SAR service, using modern medium-load helicopters. CHCI is also the current service provider.