asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that no official recognition is given to the valuable work performed by the coast life-saving service along the west coast of Ireland, especially in the Waterville, Valentia, Caherciveen, Dingle and Tralee areas; and if he will take steps to provide that members of this service receive suitable recognition by the award of gratuities, medals and life-saving certificates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coast Life-Saving Service.
19.
Members of the coast life-saving service are paid for attendance at drills, wreck services and watch-keeping. Gratuities are also paid for attendance in arduous or difficult conditions and for saving lives.
Members of the service may also qualify for long service certificates on completion of 20 years' unbroken service. A number of such certificates have, in fact, been awarded to members in the area referred to by the Deputy. There is no provision for the award of medals.
May I ask the Minister if any such people are left without certificates?
I have no evidence of any person not being given a certificate who was entitled to one. If the Deputy communicates with me, I shall enquire into any complaint he may have in this respect.
Are there people in this category getting gratuities or pay?
They are entitled to certificates on the completion of 20 years' service and they are paid gratuities for attendance in arduous and difficult conditions.
It is a gas country.