Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
272. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Transport if he will address the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the Irish Coast Guard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16575/21]
View answerThe Irish Coast Guard is currently undertaking a reform with the further development of its Safety Management System and Quality Assurance programmes. To assist with the programme of continual improvement there have been several improvements made to training, equipment and procedures which in the recent past has necessitated the temporary suspension of operations, i.e., boat and cliff functions, to facilitate the necessary improvements to the safety of the volunteers.
The Irish Coast Guard continues to work on the various recommendations of the MCIB report into the tragic loss of Caitriona Lucas which has in this case resulted in necessary improvements to the training for the crews of the boat units.
The recent temporary suspension of cliff operations was based on a risk assessment and was necessary to address safety matters within this function. The Irish Coast Guard is working to address these matters, as a priority, to re-instate the services at the earliest opportunity. The Irish Coast Guard has been in regular contact with the Cliff Unit Officers in Charge and have outlined the plan to address these matters. This plan has been shared with all Cliff units who are continually updated on the progress of the various matters being addressed.
The necessary improvements within the Irish Coast Guard, in this instance in the cliff rescue function, have been introduced to deliver effective oversight and management of the volunteer Coast Guard Units and to ensure that the Department meets its obligations in terms of securing and managing the health and safety of the volunteers while conducting Coast Guard activities. The Irish Coast Guard continues to take a pro-active approach to the safety of volunteers and will continue to mitigate risks to the volunteer Coast Guard units as they serve their local communities.
The contribution of over 900 volunteers to delivering on the mission statement of the Irish Coast Guard is most noteworthy. The Irish Coast Guard is committed to supporting the Coast Guard units who are manned with dedicated volunteers who give, with the support of their families, so freely of their time and energy. Equally the Irish Coast Guard will continue to discharge its duty of care to the volunteers by ensuring that the service is fit for purpose and is subjected to necessary improvements as and when they are required.
