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Coast Guard Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 April 2014

Tuesday, 8 April 2014

Questions (731, 732)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

731. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on his plans for Malin Head coastguard's staffing arrangements in preparation for upcoming retirements; if he will replace all positions on a panel basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16636/14]

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Charlie McConalogue

Question:

732. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the exact allocation Malin Head coastguard will receive from his Department for the upgrade of its technology systems; the equipment that will be upgraded and developed at the station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16640/14]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 731 and 732 together.

The Deputy will be aware from a series of earlier replies to his representations and Parliamentary Questions, that consideration was given to the resource requirements of all three Coast Guard rescue co-ordination centres following completion of the Value for Money Report into the operation of the Irish Coast Guard in 2012. In reviewing the overall situation, all relevant factors were identified including known retirements.  There is now an authorised complement of 40 Radio Officers Grade III in respect of the three centres. As indicated in my earlier responses, there are currently two vacancies in the RO III grade. A competition was advertised on publicjobs.ie on 21st March 2014 with a closing date for receipt of applications of 18 April, 2014.  On completion of basic training officers will be assigned as required to any of the 3 marine rescue centres. The two existing vacancies will be filled from this competition and a panel will also be formed to fill other vacancies as they arise in order to maintain the authorised complement at 40 officers. In relation to the upgrade of the technology systems at Malin head, the operations room at the centre has recently been completely refurbished and new equipment fitted as part of the Coast Guard upgrade of its communications and ancillary infrastructure at the three rescue co-ordination centres.  In addition, my Department will be introducing an integrated incident logging system in the three centres to facilitate interoperability and improved services.  The tender process for this is almost complete and it is anticipated that work will commence later this year.

 

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