Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The current Helicopter Search and Rescue (SAR) Services contract, which came into operation on the 1 July 2012, will run for 10 years to end June 2022, with a maximum extension date at the Minister's discretion to June 2025 for all or any of the bases. The contract was signed in July 2010 and the agreed financial arrangements provide for monthly standing charges, flight charges and ancillary charges for five helicopters based at four locations. The monthly standing and flight charges are subject to an annual adjustment linked to indices as advised by  the Central Statistics Office.  The contract was signed in July 2010 and the agreed financial arrangements provide for monthly standing charges, flight charges and ancillary charges for five helicopters based at four locations. The monthly standing and flight charges are subject to an annual adjustment linked to indices as advised by  the Central Statistics Office.

Prior to the tender procedure for this contract a report by the Future Helicopter Study Group established the helicopter SAR requirements, and Request for Tender documents were drawn up and issued based on these requirements. The current contract represents a competitive price for a highly professional and reliable life saving service. It represents a stepped improvement in the capacity, range, speed and capability of Ireland's SAR service and enhanced support for the national ambulance service. The new helicopters being deployed allow for staying on scene longer, searching using improved radar, night lighting and infra-red and have the ability to fly in cloud and reduced visibility. They have better hover performance, a sophisticated mission planning and tracking systems and the crew have better medical qualifications. All of this represents a significant enhancement on the previous helicopter SAR arrangements.