Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central, Labour)
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224. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence if there is consideration underway to reduce the hours of operation of military flight operations due to shortages of qualified air traffic controllers; if so, to set out the nature of the reduction, the impact these changes will have on emergency patient transfers from Casement Aerodrome, and separately the impact this will have on the operation of the emergency aeromedical service (Air Corps 112); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31506/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Initial indications from the military authorities were received in my Department in early May on the likelihood of a reduction in services, as a result of expected losses in personnel to a private airport provider. All stakeholders availing of services from Baldonnel have been appraised of the situation, and in relation to particular important services such as Garda & EAS and medical patient transfers.EAS services will continue to operate from Athlone. In relation to inter-hospital transfers, I am advised that the majority of such are conducted by a private company chartered by the Department of Health with the Air Corp providing assistance only on as available basis.