Pass the parcel
State safety plan 2017;
"In common with the practice in many States, an Irish hel- icopter operator may be involved in both civil aviation activities (eg CAT/HEMS) and state functions (eg SAR). Whereas the IAA has safety oversight of the civil aviation operations, the oversight of state functions rests with the Department of Transport Tourism and Sport. "
https://www.iaa.ie/docs/default-source/default-document-library/iaa-state-safety-report-2017-2020.pdf?sfvrsn=0
This is interesting, especially considering the following;
"The IAA maintains an Aviation Rescue Co-ordination Centre (ARCC) at Shannon Airport and an Aviation Rescue Sub-Centre (ARSC) at Dublin Airport. The Safety Regulation Division of the IAA is the body responsible for the regulation and oversight of aircraft operations, including aeronautical Search and Rescue, within the State."
http://www.dttas.ie/sites/default/files/publications/maritime/english/irish-national-maritime-search-and-rescue-sar-framework/sar-framework.pdf
So, when the music stops, who is left holding the parcel, unfortunately it is the crew of R116 and their colleagues who are and have to deal with a politically and commercially driven environment.
My highest respect to all working in this vacuum.