Vol. 487 No. 3
54 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the proposals, if any, he has for the establishment of a national coastguard agency; the functions it will carry out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3874/98]
I recently announced my intention to develop and identify the Irish Marine Emergency Service of my Department as a national coastguard service. This announcement has received broad support from within the marine sector. I intend to bring forward specific proposals in this regard later this year. I firmly believe that the establishment of an Irish coastguard service will give a major boost to the public recognition and esteem of all personnel involved in marine emergency response and will provide a firm foundation for the progressive development of the service into the future.
