Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 July 2013
286. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport the number of radio officer positions which remain vacant across the coastguard services as a result of the recruitment embargo; if he will provide the location of these positions; the steps he has taken to address these issues; and if these vacancies have led to a diminution of service. [35601/13]
View answer287. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport if he will provide a breakdown of the vacancies that currently exist within the coastguard services across the State as a result of the Government's recruitment embargo. [35602/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 286 and 287 together.
The Irish Coast Guard has continued to operate the 3 rescue co-ordination stations in Dublin, Malin Head and Valentia. While the public services recruitment embargo has presented challenges, new arrangements for the operation of the centres on an interoperable basis, together with investment in new technologies and new operational arrangements will enable the Coast Guard to maintain the required level of services utilising some 40 radio officer posts across the 3 stations.There are a total of 38 radio officer positions filled at this time and arrangements are now in hand to fill the outstanding 2 positions.
