Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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107. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date on which the current search and rescue contract expires; if there is an option contained in the current contract to extend it beyond the initial term; and if he or his predecessor has had engagement with a company (details supplied) in respect of the current and next contract. [37467/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The current helicopter service contract between the then Minister for Transport and CHC Ireland DAC commenced on 1st July 2012 for a period of 10 years. It contains an option to extend for a period(s) up to a further 3 years. The contract has been extended initially for one year to July 2023 to facilitate the procurement of a new service in accordance with Public Spending Code requirements and a seamless transition from one service to another. My officials regularly engage with CHC as part of the on-going governance arrangements for the current contract. I have not had any engagement with the company in relation to the current contract.

As you are aware, the Procurement process has begun for the new Search and Rescue Aviation contract. All interested bidders were invited to a live Webinar in early September and resulting from that, individual bilateral meetings were held. The current status of the SAR Aviation Project can be found on our dedicated Gov.ie SAR Webpage . This process is being managed by officials in my Department. I have not had any engagement with the company on this matter nor would such engagement be appropriate.