So how often have the IAC been requested for SAR top cover and how often have then been able to respond? When they did not what were the given reasons? Top cover is also a matter they are pushing forcefully where the U.K., Spain and Netherlands all have coast guard top cover as opposed to military.
Also with reference to requirement for an AOC ATO etc they are required by law, debated here before, to have exactly those functions for HEMS. German Bundespolizei have all EASA functions in place and licensed crew as they will tell you under EU law it is required. But this then begs a question as to how the authority in Ireland allow this to continue?
If the IAC wish to resume SAR it will cost more than a civilian provider already approved as there cannot be anyone still flying with SAR experience after all they do not do SAR and are not a declared asset. To train new crew in all weather SAR to cover the task takes time under training and mentorship which cannot come internally as a result. Who will be captain as nobody would meet civilian SAR or even oil and gas command criteria experience wise. There is a reason for that. To be a civilian SAR captain requires several years as a copilot learning all weather SAR.
We all know Leonardo are great at sales, so believing their pitch for cost is naive. Ask how much the FISAR and UKSAR 189’s actually cost...
Crewing issues mentioned, quite publicly the charity funded hems operation stepped in at some time not too long ago. So as mentioned they won’t have the capacity to man a 24 hour SAR operation even if there is a significant recruitment drive.