The Irish Coast Guard, a Division of my Department, have 56 full-time staff assigned to their Division. There are approximately 950 search and rescue volunteers who operate out of 43 Units nationwide.
Following a competitive tender process on 22 July 2010 a contract agreement for search and rescue helicopters was signed between the Minister for Transport and CHC Ireland Ltd. These Helicopters respond to emergencies at sea, inland waterways, offshore islands and mountains. The helicopters are operated by CHC Ireland ltd and the fully qualified crews are employees of CHC Ireland ltd. The helicopter service contract commenced on 1 July 2012 for a period of 10 years.