Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2012
1212. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to the maritime radio stations, his plan to merge the MSO and IRCG divisions similar to the UK, thus saving on manpower and making end to end marine safety more efficient. [47877/12]
View answerBoth the Marine Survey Office (MSO) and the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) are divisions within the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and are under the responsibility of the Assistant Secretary responsible for the maritime sector. The recently completed value for money reviews undertaken by Fishers Associates into the MSO and the IRCG have recommended closer integration of both services, through for example sharing of IT systems, exchange of expertise and leveraging of synergies. These issues are being reviewed as part of the Department's consideration of the recommendations in the value for money reviews.
