RAF assistance in rescue operations
Sherlock challenged reliance on RAF helicopters; Daly said international cooperation works both ways and that the services cooperate well, with improvements under examination and a decision expected.
Arising from Ceist a 5, would the Minister agree that it is now a matter of great urgency, in view of the reply given by him, to make a statement on the relocating of the Air Corps service at Shannon? Further, would the Minister agree that, to say the least, it is a bad state of affairs that the Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre has to rely on the RAF for rescue operations?
Comment on this
I do not think that I could let the Deputy away with that. There is an international convention governing this whole area and sometimes the RAF may rely on our services.
Comment on this
We have the best possible co-operation in that area. We certainly have the best possible co-operation between the rescue services here and in the United Kingdom. As I indicated in my reply, we are examining this area. We should like to see some improvements — and fairly soon. There will be no undue delay on our part in reaching a final decision.