Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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208. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the contract for search and rescue services will expire; if any consideration will be given to bring search and rescue back under public operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3051/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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The current helicopter service contract between the Minister for Transport and CHC Ireland DAC commenced on 1st July 2012 for a period of 10 years. It contained an option to extend for a period(s) up to a further 3 years. The contract was extended to July 2025 to facilitate the procurement of a new service in accordance with Public Spending Code requirements.

Following a comprehensive procurement project undertaken by my Department, that included an initial market engagement process, a prequalifying process, an initial Request for Tender, a negotiation process, and final evaluation of a Best and Final Offer Tender from the shortlisted bidders, the Government decided to award a new contract to Bristow Ireland Ltd in mid-2023. The new contract has a 10-year term with options to extend to 13 years

In line with the Government's Public Spending Code, a pre-planning process for the next contract will be conducted in due course and this will include an assessment of a range of strategic options for the provision of the next contract.