67 Deputy Noel O’Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the number of air ambulance and other emergency missions flown by the Air Corps in 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the type of aircraft involved; the types of mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17719/09]

The role of the Air Corps as set out in the White Paper on Defence is to provide a range of military and non-military services in support of the State. These services include the provision of an air ambulance service on the basis of agreed arrangements with the Department of Health & Children, and the provision of assistance in relation to civil emergencies in response to requests from the An Garda Síochána, and the principal response agencies such as the Irish Coast Guard. These services are provided as the need arises and within the available capability of the Air Corps, having regard to both current and contingent operational commitments. Details of Air Ambulance and other emergency missions flown by the Air Corps since 2007 are presented in the tabular statement.