Search and rescue aircraft incident
Senator Craughwell warned that an R117 aircraft had been impounded after an overstress incident and raised insolvency concerns about the operator. After procedural clarification, he demanded the Transport Minister of State come to the House urgently to explain what happened, the engineering cover, and whether the contract obligations are being met.
Over the last number of years, I have spoken frequently on search and rescue in this country. We lost four very good people when R116 crashed off the coast of Mayo. This morning, I received information that R117 from Sligo was flying off Derry on Sunday. The aircraft was overstressed, lost control and exceeded its maximum airspeed. The UK Civil Aviation Authority has impounded the aircraft to conduct a full investigation.
I also understand that the operator's accounts for 2020 and 2021 show it is insolvent. It lost over €3 million in 2020 and €2.5 million in 2021. I understand it is operating without licensed technicians. This is outrageous. What is more, unless we can prove that there are licensed technicians operating in each of the stations that the operator is working in, then the entire fleet must be grounded until such time as we can guarantee the safety of the people who are working for that organisation. I am asking for an amendment to the Order of Business today.
Comment on this
Yes. I am proposing an amendment to the Order of Business because of the seriousness of what I have just learned. I believe the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Deputy Chambers, is responsible for search and rescue. He needs to come to this House to deal with this issue as a matter of urgency today. This is, without doubt, the most serious incident since the loss of R116. The Deputy Leader will know the recommendations following the loss of R116-----
Comment on this
To be of assistance and to help the Senator, could he please specify what the exact issue is on the proposal to amend the Order of Business?
Comment on this
I want the Minister of State, Deputy Chambers, to come to the House. First, I want him to advise us as to what happened when the aircraft was held in Derry airport from Sunday afternoon until Tuesday evening. I want to know the exact cause. Second, I want answers with respect to the number of qualified and licensed engineers who are operating at the company. Third, I wish to know whether the company is meeting all of its obligations under its contract. If not, we need to ground the aircraft as a matter of urgency.