Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1522. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding Coast Guard units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1360/17]
View answerTuesday, 17 January 2017
Questions (1522)
Written answers
From the outset I would like to emphasise that the safety of IRCG staff, volunteers and the public is of primary importance to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport (DTTAS). In recent years, within the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG), significant changes in organisational structures, Human Resource deployment and management have taken place. These include IRCG volunteer unit safety oversight and inspection. Each of the primary activities of the IRCG Units is subject to an annual inspection, and any safety issues are identified and addressed.
In addition, over the past two years, the IRCG have invested in extensive training, including boat and cliff training, to ensure its volunteers are trained and equipped to the highest standards in order to minimise the inherent risks involved in search and rescue activities.
I am very aware of the resourcing issues within the Coast Guard, including the requirement to bolster support of the Coast Guard Units. This is built into my Department's current workforce planning programme and into business cases for additional resources. As I have previously mentioned in the House, Officials in my Department are seeking additional staffing resources to support the Coast Guard, including its volunteers, in delivering the service around the coast.