Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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193. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of a situation (details supplied); the measures he has taken to address same; the measures he has put in place to ensure safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60868/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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As Minister of State for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I have responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard and the SAR Aviation Contract.

Coast Guard SAR helicopter services are provided under contract, that is currently transitioning from CHCI to Bristow Ireland (BIL).

Similar to the existing contract, Coast Guard Aviation services are regulated by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). My Department does not have any role in the regulatory oversight of the contracted service providers. Many of the personnel previously employed by CHCI have, or will prior to completion of transition, take up the option of joining BIL.

Similar to the previous contract, crews operate 24 hr shift patterns. In addition to regulated Flight Time Limitation requirements, both entities are required to operate a Fatigue Risk Management System, as per IAA regulatory requirements. In order to enhance overall flight crew safety, the new contract obliges ‘on duty’ flight crews to remain on base for their full tour of duty, for which suitable rest and sleeping accommodation is provided.

Human Resources and Industrial Relations are managed by the contracted service provider. My Department does not have a role in regulatory oversight of duty hours. I understand that the new contractor Bristow Ireland, following contract award, concluded framework agreements with the employee representative organisations FORSA, UNITE and IALPA.

BIL subsequently concluded collective bargaining agreements with the three representative organisations. BIL continues to actively engage with the cohort of CHCI staff who have yet to transfer, to support seamless transfer to the new contractor as the remaining bases transition.