I propose to take Questions Nos. 528 to 530, inclusive, together.
On 15 February 2017 as a Commencement Matter in the Seanad, I comprehensively addressed the matter of Coast Guard Services, raised by Senator Keith Swanick, particularly Senator Swanick's proposition that the Coast Guard should be designated as a stand-alone primary response agency. I advised at that time that it is difficult to identify any the benefit or added value for legislation, or clearly identify what the purpose of any legislation would be, to establish a stand alone Coast Guard. I have not heard any compelling arguments to convince me otherwise in the meantime. The Coast Guard is functioning very effectively as a Division of my Department and its role is supported through various legislative instruments.
Legislating for a stand alone agency is an inherently complex task and the volunteer dimension of the Coast Guard's activities adds to that complexity. Volunteers are not, as individuals, bound by employee or contract law and offer their services freely on a voluntary basis. In my address to the Seanad, I cited the example of the Civil Defence Act, which does not contain any provisions in respect of its large volunteer force. My records show that I last received an external representation concerning legislating for the Coast Guard in May 2017. I have had no recent representations from volunteers on the matter.