Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 October 2021
316. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Transport the timeline and stage process of the end-of-life decision and actions taken for the Rescue 400 life jackets for the Irish Coastguard Service; the reason there was a requirement to stand down all Irish Coastguard Service boat operations while waiting for the procurement process for a replacement to be found; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50463/21]
View answerThe Coast Guard withdrew the services of its in-shore rescue boats stationed at 23 locations around the coast on Friday 15th of November 2019 due to safety concerns identified with the Rescue 400 lifejacket. This action was taken following a reported malfunction of a number of these lifejackets which are a key piece of personal protective equipment. A procurement process was commenced immediately and the volunteer Coast Guard units returned to full operational status on a phased basis which commenced December 12th 2019.
This action was taken in compliance with Coast Guards SAR assurance obligations as set out in the National SAR Plan to ensure safety of Coast Guard boat crews.
As per standard arrangements other SAR providers i.e. RNLI, CRBI (Community Rescue Boats Ireland) & helicopters were advised of the actions taken by the Coast Guard to ensure provision of SAR services.
