116 Dr. Lee asked the Minister for Health the cost per annum of helicopters for transfer of medical services; and the company which has the contract for this work.

An arrangement is in place whereby the Air Corps provides air ambulance transport to health boards for emergency cases. No charge is made to health boards for this service.

The Marine Search and Rescue Helicopter Service which operates from Shannon Airport for the Irish Marine Emergency Service is also available on an actual fuel cost recovery basis for air ambulance transport in cases of emergency. Charges of approximately £5,700 in 1991 and £20,000 to September, 1992 were incurred by health boards in respect of this service.