asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that in view of the useful and sometimes dangerous duties performed by members of the coast life saving service and having regard to the high cost of living the remuneration and travelling expenses allowed are entirely inadequate; and, if so, he will have the service rules and regulations so modified as to entitle better payment to those engaged and arrange that look-out posts are manned and equipped with all modern requirements.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coast Life Saving Service.
The coast life saving service is a voluntary organisation the members of which continue to pursue their normal callings. Attendance of the volunteers is required only at quarterly exercises, each of about four hours duration, and on any occasion on which they may be called out for emergency service. The remuneration of the volunteers for attendance at exercises was increased in 1946, in 1948, and again as recently as April last. The payment for attendance at wreck services was increased in September 1952. Any travelling expenses necessarily incurred are met by the Department. Further increase in the payments for these services is not at present in contemplation.
As for equipment, supplies of a new type of rocket and apparatus of the most modern kind have been ordered for the service.