Vol. 565 No. 3
65 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress which has been made with regard to his Department's consideration of the recent consultants' report on the Irish Coast Guard; if it is intended to implement the recommendations made in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10851/03]
I am still considering the recommendations of the recent consultants' report, which reviewed the operation of the Irish Coast Guard. My consideration of the consultation's recommendations for the Coast Guard will also have regard to the conclusions of a wider review that I am undertaking at this time of the organisational structures and operational arrangements within my Department, with the objective of improving services delivery across the board.
My intention is to complete this broad departmental review as quickly as possible, and I will then be in a position to finalise my proposals relating to the future organisational arrangements for the Coast Guard. In the meantime, my Department will progress key recommendations made by the consultant aimed at improving management and operational aspects of the Coast Guard on the ground. It continues to be my objective to ensure that Coast Guard services in the marine environment and in inland areas are efficient and effective and represent value for money in accordance with international best practice.
