Austin Deasy
Question:24 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Defence the role, if any, the Naval Service plays in the creation and operation of the new coastguard service as recently announced. [5063/98]
Written Answers. - Coastguard Service.
Charles Flanagan
Question:126 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Defence his views on the development of the coastguard service as recently announced; the liaison which will be necessary with the Naval Service; and the structures needed to implement this. [4819/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 126 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, my colleague the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources recently announced his intention to develop and identify the Irish marine emergency service as a national coastguard service and that he intends to bring forward specific proposals in this regard later in the year. The proposed new coastguard service will give greater public recognition to all personnel involved in marine emergency response. As regards a possible role for the Naval Service in the new coastguard service, I will give full consideration to any proposals in this regard which may be put forward.