asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he has any proposals to improve the coast life-saving service with a view to improving life-saving facilities around the coast; and, if so, what they are.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Life-Saving Facilities.
15.
The marine rescue services generally, including the coast life saving service, are kept under constant review and such improvements or changes as are found necessary and practicable are introduced without delay. The Deputy is no doubt aware that a grant of £10,000 to the Royal National Life-Boat Institution was given for the first time by my Department in the current year 1971-72.
Is the Minister aware that this country has no coastguard service?
I am aware that the existing marine rescue services are co-ordinated with the marine rescue co-ordination centre at Haulbowline which is operated by our Naval Service. We are utilising the existing institutions.
Is the Minister aware that this is the only country in Northern Europe that has no coastguard service, not even at weekends? Has the Minister's Department any plans in hand?
There is a seven-day a week service operating through the various voluntary organisations which are co-ordinated by our own Naval Service. They are subsidised by the Government to ensure that these voluntary organisations maintain and expand their activities. All of this means that we get very good value by reason of the existence of the voluntary organisations. We make a contribution through subsidies and through co-ordination by our Naval Service, but the overall impact is that we as a nation are getting very good value.
Surely the Minister is aware——
Question No. 16. The Deputy cannot monopolise Question Time. There are many other questions to be answered.
——that there are many bogus calls——
Would Deputy Byrne allow questions to continue?
We are not in kindergarten. We have a Chair and the Chair should be respected.
(Interruptions.)
The Deputy may not argue with the Chair or monopolise Question Time.
They are going out on bogus calls——
We must respect the Chair. That is what these assemblies are about.
The Minister has no respect for his leader.
Will Deputy Byrne please resume his seat and allow questions to continue?
It is a waste of time putting down questions.