Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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68. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the acquisition of search and rescue helicopters from a company (details supplied); if he is aware that the fixed wing component of the contract has been subcontracted to another company; if he is aware that this company is a leading supplier of the Israeli Defence Forces who are currently committing genocide against the Palestinian people; if he is aware of the recent terrorist attack against Lebanon involving mobile communications equipment; his views on whether it is prudent that Ireland tender such sensitive and crucial equipment to companies which may expose our supply chain to Israeli military or intelligence agencies; if he has requested the input of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Defence, National Cyber Security Centre, or other appropriate government agencies; if he can provide assurance that any such acquisition will not have been exposed to tampering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42013/24]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Following a comprehensive procurement process, the Department of Transport awarded a 10-year contract to Bristow Ireland Limited (BIL) to provide year-round, day and night Search and Rescue aviation services. This service will be delivered through a fleet of six search and rescue (SAR) configured AW189 helicopters located in Dublin, Shannon, Sligo and Waterford. This contract was signed in August 2023.

In addition, for the first time, the Irish Coast Guard will also have dedicated day and night-time Fixed Wing service provided by ToExcel Ireland under a sub-contract with BIL and will be located at Shannon Airport. The Fixed Wing capability will enhance the Coast Guard’s capacity to coordinate Search and Rescue missions and conduct environmental and ship casualty monitoring of Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

I am advised that ToExcel Ireland is solely involved in providing SAR, environmental and ship casualty monitoring services and is not a supplier to the Israel Defence Forces, and never has been.