asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the serious concern being expressed by fishermen at the de-manning of the lighthouses programme being implemented by the Commissioners of Irish Lights; and the steps if any, he intends to take to discontinue the de-manning programme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - De-Manning of Lighthouses.
11.
Under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, responsibility for the provision and maintenance of lights services around the coast of Ireland is vested in the Commissioners of Irish Lights. Expenditure by the commissioners is met by the General Lighthouse Fund which derives its income from the collection of light dues in ports in Britain and Ireland together with an annual subvention from the Exchequer towards the cost of lights services in the State.
Since 1960, the Commissioners of Irish Lights have been engaged in a programme of automation of Irish lighthouses. At present there are only 19 manned stations, of which 16 are in the State, out of a total of approximately 90 lighthouses in Ireland.
I am aware that concern has been expressed at the de-manning of the lighthouses and at the cessation of the incidental coastwatch assistance which lighthouse keepers are in a position to provide by reason of their location. The Minister and officials of his Department have met representatives of the lighthouse keepers on a number of occasions to discuss the matter. I have asked my Department to consider any implications the de-manning of the remaining lighthouses may have for the search and rescue services of the State.
Do the Government agree with the de-manning programme being pursued by the Commissioners of Irish Lights as a result of a decision of the British Government to withdraw support from them? Has an approach been made to the British Government in an effort to come to an arrangement to maintain this important service along the Irish coast due to the fact that we do not have a coastguard service or a coastwatch similar to that in the UK?
The Commissioners of Irish Lights have a statutory duty to maintain the lights around our coast. Many Deputies, and people involved in the fishing industry, have expressed concern about this move and I propose to meet with my British counterpart to discuss the matter. I should like to point out to the Deputy that in 1960 there were 90 lighthouses located along our coastline and 71 of them have since been de-manned. Three of them were de-manned recently, the old Head of Kinsale, the Skelligs and Inishtrahull in Donegal. From 1960 to date those involved in the industry have expressed concern but very little concern has been expressed by others. The technology today is much better but I appreciate the concern of those involved in the industry and officials of my Department will consider the implications of any further de-manning. The programme is for the de-manning of about two per year.
I understand that the organisation representing the lighthouse keepers made a submission to the Minister suggesting that a certain number of lighthouses, ten or 12, should be manned. Has that submission been considered? What is the Minister's attitude to it?
The Minister and officials of the Department met representatives of the lighthouse keepers to discuss the matter. It is worth recalling that between December 1981 and May 1985, 65 distress calls involving lighthouses were received. Fourteen of them were at Mizen Head and 15 at Baily. Between one and three calls were received at the other lighthouses which the lighthouse keepers are suggesting should not be de-manned. I am concerned about this matter and I should like to assure the Deputy it will be considered again by my Department. I should like to point out to the Deputy that we have the search and rescue services of the State available. They include the coast life saving service, the marine rescue coast-guard centre, the lifeboats, our Navy and Air Corps. I should like to pay tribute to these services, particularly those who act in a voluntary capacity, for the great work they are doing around our coast.
I understand that about 140 people are employed by the Commissioners of Irish Lights and I should like to know what the future holds for those people if the commissioners proceed with the de-manning policy? They are in permanent and pensionable employment and I should like to know if it is the intention to make them redundant? Lighthouse keepers responded to 220 distress calls in 1986 and if they are made redundant who will keep watch? The Taoiseach has said he owes his life to the vigilance of the lighthouse keepers at Mizen Head and that is an indication of how serious this topic is. Can we get an undertaking that the policy will be reversed?
I accept that it is a serious matter and I should like to point out to the Deputy that the implications of de-manning the remainder of the lighthouses is being considered. The future of the personnel is a matter for discussion between my Department and the union representing those involved.