I propose to take Questions Nos. 8, 12, 14, 15, 19, 22, 30 and 32 together.
The Review Group on Air/Sea Rescue Services were established not to investigate search and rescue services off the west coast exclusively but to examine the structure and the operation of the air/sea rescue service within the State's area of responsibility which includes the seas off the south and east coasts of Ireland as well as a large area extending to approximately 200 miles off the west coast. The group's terms of reference also require them to make recommendations to ensure a cost effective and efficient service to meet national and international requirements. Within the context of these terms of reference, it will be a matter for the group to determine the manner and extent of their inquiries. I expect, however, that the group will examine the operations and capabilities of each of the component organisations in the search and rescue system, including the Air Corps, and recommend any possible improvements.
Regarding a completion date, I do not wish to tie the group to a precise date for submission of a report. The Minister did, however, address the group at their inaugural session held on 7 April 1989 and impressed on them the need for urgency. The frequency and timing as well as the attendance at and conduct of meetings of the group are a matter for the chairman and members. The records of their meeting are confidential. Taking account of the nature and extent of the consultations and investigations which are involved, I anticipate that the report would take some months to complete.
The membership of the review group reflects the fact that search and rescue is a truly international service not limited by national boundaries and that decisions taken by individual states can have implications for the search and rescue operational procedures in force in neighbouring administrations. For this reason, the International Maritime Organisation, which are the United Nations agency responsible for safety at sea, have undertaken the development of an international search and rescue plan and have encouraged neighbouring states to enter into discussions regarding the establishment of common procedures and practices. This is in keeping with the provisions of the Safety of Life at Sea Convention, 1974, and the 1958 Convention on the High Seas, in accordance with which contracting Governments undertake to co-operate with neighbouring states for the provision and maintenance of an adequate and effective search and rescue system and to assist and advise other states in the establishment or review of its service.
The decision to invite outside participation in the workings of the review group was taken in the light of the international co-operation which exists in the area of search and rescue — co-operation which was demonstrated so effectively in the marine incidents which occurred in recent months — and with a view to ensuring that any changes to our system would not disrupt practices in neighbouring states.
Automation and demanning of lighthouses has been going on for more than 20 years. The current programme will lead to the automation of the remaining manned lights by the middle of the nineties. The automation and demanning programme of the Commissioners of Irish Lights is being implemented for sound economic reasons and the Commissioners are satisfied that the excellent quality of service mariners have come to expect from Irish Lights will be maintained on automation.
Concern, however, has been expressed at the demanning of the lighthouses because of the cessation of the incidental coastwatch assistance lightkeepers are in a position to provide by reason of their location. Since those concerns were first raised, I have taken steps that have in effect transformed the position of vessels in difficulty around the coast. Since March 1987 my Department have installed a comprehensive network of VHF stations providing a 24 hour listening watch on the distress channel on all coasts.
There have been suggestions that a visual coast-watching service be established to replace that provided informally by lightkeepers. I consider that this issue falls within the terms of reference of the Review Group on Air/Sea Rescue Services. I look forward to seeing what views the review group have on the matter.
Finally, the content of memoranda for Government and the record of Government discussions are confidential and it is not the practice to reveal them. I can say, however, that no options have been excluded in advance of the review group's deliberations.