asked the Minister for Transport if the Irish Marine Search and Rescue Committee referred to in replies to previous parliamentary questions have made any recommendations to improve our capabilities in view of his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 273 of 29 April 1980; if so, if he will give details of such recommendations or others made by the committee; if these have been acted on; if not, if he is satisfied with the position; when the committee were established; and the number of meetings held.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Marine Rescue Service.
14.
The Search and Rescue Committee was set up in June 1978 and has held five full meetings, not counting sub-committee meetings.
The main function of the committee is to review and co-ordinate marine search and rescue arrangements, which involve the services of a number of bodies including agencies under Government Departments and a number of independent or voluntary bodies. In discharge of this function the committee has examined the effectiveness of the search and rescue operations in relation to a number of specific distress incidents; it has reviewed the services and equipment of a number of the component organisations and has considered the communications services for search and rescue operations. The committee does not make recommendations to me on these matters. The measures which are identified as being necessary to improve search and rescue capability are introduced as appropriate by the particular organisation concerned.
The review of search and rescue operations is a continuing process and is intended to secure full co-ordination between the constituent agencies of our search and rescue organisation and the progressive improvement and adaptation of the services to match the needs of the situation.
Is the Minister satisfied with the existing competency of the coast watching service?
On any particular part of the coast?
It is supposed to monitor the entire coast.
What is?
The coast watching service.
This is a co-ordinating organisation.
The coast watching service is part of the Minister's Department.
I expect proposals to be brought back to me by the RNLI in relation to a section of the west coast which appears to be unsatisfactory at this stage.