Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 June 2014
47. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider the establishment of a small capital grant for mountain and sub-aqua rescue and recovery groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27102/14]
View answerIn terms of supporting mountain rescue teams (MRTs) I refer the Deputy to my answer to question 26 to Deputy Kyne earlier today.
I appreciate greatly the support that volunteer diving teams provide to the Coast Guard and the other emergency services. For the Deputy's information my Department, through the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG), is responsible for the initiation, control and coordination of maritime emergencies in the Irish territorial waters, harbours and coastline. The Coast Guard carries out this function utilising its own assets and declared resources. Diving support to the IRCG is provided in the first instance by the Garda Water Unit and the Navy Diving team. Volunteer diving teams do on occasion offer assistance but in such scenarios their participation is based on an offer of support.
Under previous rounds of the Sports Capital Programme grants have been allocated to sub aqua rescue clubs. Regrettably, in terms of the establishment of a specific grant scheme for such bodies, it is not envisaged that any funding assistance will be extended to sub aqua rescue or recovery groups at present.
