Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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288. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will confirm that the new provider for the search-and-rescue helicopter service in Ireland will retain the existing crews, along with their existing terms and conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27710/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Government recently announced that it has accepted a recommendation to offer the next Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) search & rescue aviation (SAR) contract to Bristow Ireland Limited.

The contract will provide for the day and night-time operation of four helicopter bases in Sligo, Shannon, Waterford and Dublin. In addition to the helicopter service, the new Coast Guard aviation service will, for the first time, also include a fixed wing aircraft element.

The new IRCG aviation service contract allows the Coast Guard to fully meet its obligations as prescribed in the National SAR Plan, the National Oil/ HNS Contingency Plan and its capacity to support other State agencies, in particular inland SAR support to An Garda Síochána, and provision of Air Ambulance services to HSE including day and night support to the island communities.

It is expected that as part of their staffing strategy the new contractor will undertake a consultation and engagement process with the employees of the current contractor, and the recognised Trade Unions.

As the procurement process has now entered the required legal ‘Standstill Period’, my Department is not in a position to comment further. As soon as the contract has been finalised and awarded, further information will be provided.