asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the low rate of remuneration payable to No. 1 men of the coast life saving stations in Éire, and if he is further aware of the extra duties imposed on these men since September 1st last, due to the European situation; and if he will consider increasing the present remuneration during the crisis, and also the question of supplying them with oilskins and marine tunics.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coast Life Saving Stations.
I am aware of the rate of remuneration paid to No. 1 men in the coast-life saving service and the amounts of the additional allowances payable to them for attendance at quarterly exercises, wreck services and watches during bad weather, and also the prize money for proficiency in signalling and throwing the heaving cane for which No. 1 men are eligible to compete. I am not aware of any extra duties without suitable remuneration that have been imposed on No. 1 men as a result of the European war. The number of occasions on which a number of crews have had to turn out during recent months may be above the average for the time of the year, but suitable additional payments are made to No. 1 men for each such turn out. No. 1 men have been asked to notify the Coast Watching Service of the Department of Defence of any unusual occurrences observed by them, but this request cannot be regarded as an imposition of extra duties.
In the circumstances, I am not satisfied that a case exists for an increase in the remuneration of No. 1 men. With regard to the question of supplying No. 1 men with oilskins and marine tunics, I am of the opinion that the occasions on which such clothing would be worn are very rare in the case of practically every station. At present, two oilskins and two sou'westers are supplied to each station at which a bad weather watch is kept. Exercises are always held during fine weather and, in the case of wreck services, which are infrequent, the crew conducts the operations from the shore. In the circumstances, I cannot agree that there is any necessity for supplying marine tunics and additional oilskins.