Vol. 496 No. 1
85 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources when he will bring forward proposals for the establishment of a national coastguard agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21874/98]
Earlier this year I announced my intention to develop and identify the Irish Marine Emergency Service, IMES, of my Department as a national coastguard service in order to give a major boost to the public recognition and esteem of all personnel involved in marine emergency response and to provide a firm foundation for the progressive development of the service.
A review of the functions and organisation of IMES is under way in my Department. This will inform the process of developing detailed plans for the establishment of an national coastguard service. I intend to bring forward proposals in this regard as soon as possible.
