Vol. 395 No. 6
41 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the danger of collapse of voluntary in-shore marine rescue groups in the south-west due to lack of funds; and if he has any proposals in this regard.
At present no funds are available to assist such voluntary organisations. A contribution of £500 was, however, made in 1988 and again in 1989 towards the running of the National Safety Councils' annual in-shore rescue course and a similar contribution will be made this year. All voted moneys in the search and rescue area are provided for the Coast and Cliff Rescue Service and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Local authorities are empowered under the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1947, to provide moneys for groups such as these. Also the Revenue Commissioners may refund VAT charged on expenditure incurred on boats, equipment and storage for the operation on of in-shore rescue service.
