asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will state in respect of coast life saving stations (a) the number currently in operation, (b) if all of them are fully manned, (c) how each station is equipped, (d) how often exercises are undertaken, (e) who generally is responsible for such stations and (f) the annual cost of providing the service each year.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Life Saving Stations.
30.
The coast life-saving service has 54 stations in operation around the coasts. Eleven stations are fully manned. Of the remaining 43 stations there are limited vacancies amongst enrolled personnel but assistants may be employed when the need for rescue service arises.
Fifty-one stations are equipped with a launching machine, rescue rockets, rocket lines, breeches buoy and ancillary equipment. Three stations are equipped with cliff ladders only.
Exercises are undertaken by each station every three months under the supervision of professional officers of my Department. The No. 1 man at each station is responsible for the station.
The cost of operation of the service in the year ended 31st March, 1971 was £8,293.