asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that the life-saving equipment along the south-east coast is completely outdated; and if he will make arrangements to have it replaced by new and modern equipment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Life-Saving Equipment.
11.
I am not so aware. The equipment used by the Coast Life-Saving Service in all their stations around the coast is up to date and adequate for the purposes for which it is required. It is similar to equipment used abroad to effect rescue from the shore of crew members of vessels in distress close to the coastline and which are inaccessible to the lifeboat service.
Since the inception of the service, 148 lives have been saved by this equipment.
Would the Minister not agree that there is now a need for some kind of fast small boat for saving lives of boatmen and yachtsmen in this part of the country, since there is a great deal of boating and yachting in the south east and also for swimmers and bathers who get into trouble along this part of the coast? The type of equipment the Minister mentioned is not suitable for that kind of life saving.
The local authority has a function here, too, but I shall certainly look into the matter.