Question from Deputy Eamon Scanlan - PQ 12768-26

To ask the Minister for Health for an update on the proposal for Sligo Airport to become the base for the new HEMS helicopter, given the vital importance of this service to the region following the departure of the S-92 and the AW189 (From the National Ambulance Service:“National Ambulance Service is currently reviewing potential locations for HEMS West-North west site and while Sligo Airport as well as Knock Airport and Old Galway Airport along with several airfields and flying club sites in West and North West were reviewed and visited the Service continues to seek a suitable site which is Clinically appropriate, has an appropriate radius of operation and case profile. AW189 remains a Coast Guard Asset in Sligo Airport and any query relating to this aircraft should be referred to Coast Guard / Department of Transport.”); and if she will make a statement on the matter.