Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014
938. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the ongoing concerns regarding the future of the Malin Head Coast Guard station and marine rescue centre in County Donegal; and if he will give an assurance that the necessary staff numbers will be achieved to maintain a 24-hour emergency service. [1119/14]
View answer960. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to reduce staffing levels and remove services at Malin Head Coast Guard station; his plans to deal with the upcoming retirements at the station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1664/14]
View answer961. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Malin Head coastal radio station will remain open on a 24-hour basis in view of a recent article in a publication (details supplied) which suggested it was to be reduced to a 12-hour station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1665/14]
View answer962. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the current staffing levels at Malin Head coastal radio station; the total number of hours and cost of overtime at the station for 2012 and 2013; the ideal number of whole-time equivalents required to provide a 24-hour service at the station without the need for overtime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1666/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 938 and 960 to 962, inclusive, together.
There are no plans to remove or reduce services from Malin Marine Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC). As the Deputies will be well aware, following the completion of the Value for Money reports into the Coast Guard and the Marine Survey Office in 2012, I announced in July 2013, an Action Plan to address concerns raised in these reports regarding Ireland's maritime transport safety and marine emergency response regimes. In drawing up the Action Plan, one of the options considered by my Department was reducing the service available at Malin MRSC to that of daytime only. However following careful consideration of the options it was decided that Malin should be maintained on a 24 hour basis but that greater efficiencies using advanced technologies and improved working processes were required across the three rescue coordination centres (Dublin, Malin and Valentia).
In relation to staffing levels and retirements, the review of resources needed at the Coast Guard Centres identified a requirement for 40 Radio Officers to ensure adequate cover in the three centres. However, as already indicated, in order to support this staffing complement, advanced technologies and integrated working processes are required across the three centres. Currently, an additional 2 Radio Officers are required to bring the staff complement to 40 and arrangements are in train to provide for these additional staff. My Department will seek sanction from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to fill vacancies as they arise up to the minimum staffing levels of 40 Officers.
The current staffing in Malin is 12 Radio Officers. The total number of hours and cost of overtime at the station for 2012 and 2013 is as follows:
|
Year |
Total number of overtime hours |
Total cost of overtime |
|
2012 |
2,167.75 |
€99,890.39 |
|
2013 |
3,389.85 |
€152,926.28 |
