asked the Minister for Defence whether he intends to set up a comprehensive coastguard service in this country.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coastguard Service.
48.
As far as my Department is concerned there are no proposals to change the existing arrangements.
Would the Minister not consider, in the light of a recent sea tragedy, that a limited form of coastguard service would be very desirable even if it were to take the form of a week-end coastguard service operation staffed, say, by the FCA and Sluagh Mhuirí and staffed during the week by members of the Garda in conjunction with the Defence Forces?
A number of Departments would be involved in the provision of a comprehensive coastguard service. My Department is only one of them and so far we are satisfied that there is not a demand or justification for any change in the existing arrangements.
Is the Minister aware that we are, in fact, the only country in Europe that has no coastguard service?
This is a proposal that, as I have indicated, would have to be considered in conjunction with other Departments involved. Consideration has not been given to it so far.
Would the Minister investigate the possibility of having consultation with other Departments with a view to providing some form of coastguard service?
We can consider that.