asked the Minister for Defence if he has satisfied himself that helicopters can be made available at short notice to service all islands off the west coast during periods of isolation when they are not accessible by sea.

Arrangements exist for the use of Air Corps helicopters to provide relief for the inhabitants of islands off our coast during periods of isolation. I am satisfied that these arrangements operate satisfactorily.

Is the Minister aware that there are very strict limitations on the use of helicopters for emergencies? Further, is he aware that at the moment there appears to be certain doubts about the type of helicopter available for these services? For instance, we do not appear to have helicopters available to cope with emergencies during the hours of darkness.

I am glad to say that before Christmas I signed a contract for the purchase of five new helicopters with capacity for night-flying operations.