Vol. 502 No. 5
15 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on the value of retaining coastal radio facilities in view of their current geographical spread and the ser vice they provide to coastal communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8024/99]
26 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on the report of the consultants appointed to review marine safety; and the plans, if any, he has to implement the recommendation that three coastal radio stations in Donegal, Kerry and Dublin should be amalgamated. [8565/99]
41 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on the need for an amalgamation of the three coastal radio stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8023/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 26 and 41 together.
No proposal has been put to me for the amalgamation of the three coastal radio stations.
An expenditure review of the Irish Marine Emergency Service, IMES, of my Department has recently been concluded by consultants on behalf of the management of the Department as part of the ongoing strategic management process. I am advised that it contains 60 recommendations, one of which recommends that two of the three coast radio stations should be phased out of operation as full time units.
The consultants report now falls to be examined by the Departments management team having regard to the statutory requirements under the Public Service Management Act, 1977, to ensure that all functions are discharged with due regard to economy, efficiency and effectiveness considerations. The various recommendations in the review are now being examined, categorised and prioritised. Issues requiring ministerial decisions or directions will come before me in due course.
I can assure the Deputy that, if and when any proposal is put to me regarding the future of the coastal radio stations, in addition to economy, efficiency and effectiveness considerations, I will give due regard to the regional and local implications of any proposals as well as the views of the staff who run these stations.
