Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 January 2014
795. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 938, 960, 961 and 962 of 15 January 2014, the total number of FTEs required to provide a 24-hour service at Malin Head coastal radio station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3537/14]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware from earlier replies and correspondence, my Department identified a requirement for 40 Radio Officers to ensure an appropriate level of cover in the three Centres. Currently there are 38 Radio Officers (RO) across the three Centres with the service being provided with the assistance of overtime. Action is underway to fill the two remaining posts.
In order to support the durability of a staffing complement of 40 ROs and achieve necessary efficiencies, it is also intended that there will be more integrated working processes in place. This will primarily be provided by an IT platform designed to deliver interoperability between the three centres and allow greater flexibility in the manner in which the Coast Guard can undertake the tasks in the centres and respond to emergencies. Work is also advanced in procuring the necessary technologies aimed at delivering our interoperability requirements.
Specifically in relation to the Malin Coast Guard Centre, there are currently 12 Radio Officer posts assigned to that Centre. With improved interoperability between the three centres, a 24 hour service can be maintained with overall staffing levels of 40 ROs.
