asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the helicopter companies which are currently authorised under his Department's licensing regulations to offer their services for, engage in, or tender for offshore work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Irish Helicopters Limited are currently the only Irish helicopter company authorised to engage in offshore work in support of hydrocarbon exploration, development and production. My general policy with regard to the licensing of helicopter operations is to ensure the safe and orderly development of helicopter services to ensure that the needs of the market are met.