Smith must provide safety, says group

THE federation representing seafarers called on Defence Minister Michael Smith yesterday to buy three helicopters for the Air Corps air\sea rescue missions.

Mr Smith was forced to postpone the purchase of three Sikorsky helicopters this year because of the cutbacks demanded by Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy.

But Mr Smith gave a commitment to proceed with the 60m plan to acquire three search and rescue helicopters next year - either through leasing or public private partnerships.