Vol. 308 No. 9
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has considered the establishment of a coastguard service in this country, which would combine the activities of (1) coastguard watching; (2) environmental protection for our coastline; (3) assisting the voluntary lifeboat service in monitoring distress calls at sea; and (4) assisting the security and police forces with surveillence information of a security nature.
473.
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport the estimated cost of providing a part-time coastguard service, which would have the following four functions: (1) coastguard watching; (2) environmental protection for our coastline; (3) assisting the voluntary lifeboat service in monitoring distress calls at sea and (4) assisting the security and police forces with surveillance and information of a security nature.
I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 472 and 473 together.
There is already in existence under the auspices of my Department the Coast Life-Saving Service, a part-time organisation which has responsibilities in respect of the first three of the four functions listed by the Deputy. The fourth function would be primarily a matter falling within the area of administration of the Minister for Justice.
