Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 December 2021
210. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the steps that have been taken by his Department to resolve the issues at the Doolin Coast Guard unit; if an independent mediator has been appointed; the stage of the arbitration process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62656/21]
View answerI have asked the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) to begin the process of reconstituting the Doolin Coast Guard unit which was stood down from operations and training activities on Nov 1st last following a number of volunteer resignations.
The decision was made following receipt of a report and recommendation from independent mediator, Mr Kieran Mulvey, who found that certain relationships within the Doolin Coast Guard Unit have irretrievably broken down and that the mutual trust, respect and confidence required to effectively operate a Coast Guard Unit does not exist within the Unit.
The report concludes that the interpersonal difficulties are not capable of being resolved through the normal mediation process.
In accordance with the recommendations of Mr. Mulvey’s Report, members of the Doolin Unit will be permanently stood down. The Unit will be re-constituted in the short term by temporarily appointing volunteers who Coast Guard believe can work and operate together. This will address the situation presented by the absence of a functioning Doolin Coast Guard Unit.
A broader appointment process will commence to permanently restore the Coast Guard Unit in the Doolin area.
I understand that this is a difficult decision and outcome for all concerned. The provision of a robust and fully operational Coast Guard Unit to the Doolin area is the priority concern.
A number of further recommendations in the report will also be implemented including further engagement with volunteers and a review of procedures affecting the unit around training, operations, equipment and activities.
I also support the work of the Coast Guard Representative Group, the Coastal Unit Advisory Group (CUAG) which represents volunteers interests within the Coast Guard. To enhance CUAGs role as a representative body for volunteers a review of CUAGs existing Terms of Reference and grievance procedures within the Irish Coast Guard will be carried out.
