asked the Minister for Transport if, in view of the major increase in boating, cruising and sailing for pleasure off our coastline and the increased incidence of smuggling of drugs by sea, the carrying of dangerous chemicals within our coastal waters and the danger of rabies reaching this country by sea, he will consider the setting up of a coastguard service; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Coastguard Service.
188.
Already in existence under the auspices of my Department is the Coast Life Saving Service, a part-time organisation whose primary function is to assist vessels and boats in distress on or near the coasts. The service can also provide patrols for beaches and coasts to watch for dangerous chemicals liable to come ashore following a shipping casualty, or which may have been washed overboard from a ship's deck in bad weather.
The prevention of either drug smuggling or the importation of rabies does not fall within the area of responsibility of either the Coast Life Saving Service or my Department. The prevention of drug smuggling is primarily a matter for the Revenue Commissioners; the prevention of the importation of rabies falls within the area of responsibility of the Minister for Agriculture.