asked the Minister for Local Government if he is satisfied that sufficient lifeguards are employed at bathing places during the summer months; and if he is satisfied that life-saving equipment is adequate in these bathing areas.
29.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Water Safety.
28.
asked the Minister for Local Government if he is satisfied that adequate safety equipment is provided at small fishing harbours.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Question Nos. 28 and 29 together.
The employment of lifeguards at bathing places and the provision of water safety equipment at any place, including small fishing harbours, where they consider such equipment is likely to be of use, are matters for sanitary authorities. They are encouraged by my Department to take all necessary precautions to safeguard against drowning accidents at such places. The Irish Water Safety Association, which operates under the aegis of my Department, gives assistance to sanitary authorities in relation to the training and testing of lifeguards and advises on water safety equipment.
Could the Minister indicate the expenditure incurred by the local authorities?
I have not got that information but I am glad to tell Deputy Daly that Clare, which is the Deputy's constituency, is one of the front runners in the field of water safety. The county council employ 30 lifeguards at nine centres, including one lake, during the summer season. They also provide a lifeguard service on an ad hoc basis at other coastal points on special occasions. The Clare County Committee of the Irish Water Safety Association are one of the most active of the county committees. In the past two years they were second only to Dublin city and county in terms of numbers of persons trained in swimming and life saving.
Good for Clare.
In Clare they are not behindhand in looking after water safety.
Is the Minister also aware that Clare is one of the front runners in the matter of the beaches?
Obviously.
Question No. 30.