Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 May 1992

Vol. 420 No. 3

Written Answers. - Irish Lights Funding.

Séamus Cullimore

Question:

75 Mr. Cullimore asked the Minister for the Marine if he intends seeking EC funding for the employees of Irish Lights to enable them to continue to carry out the necessary lifesaving work which they have been doing for a number of years.

Minister for the Marine (Dr. Woods)

The possibility of securing EC funding for search and rescue activities had previously been invesigated. The position is that, as of now, these activities are effectively excluded from such funding.

The Irish Marine Emergency Service of my Department is now responsible for initiating and co-ordinating all search and rescue operations for vessels or persons requiring assistance in the Irish Search and Rescue Region.