Vol. 427 No. 2
126 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for the Marine the plans, if any, he has to assist the people of Castletownbere, County Cork in their campaign to obtain a full time lifeboat service for the area; his views on whether this service is necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The lifeboat service around the coast is operated by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). The Department will make a contribution in 1993 of £195,000 to the RNLI towards the cost of their operations in Ireland. The RNLI keep the disposition of lifeboats under continuous review. I am advised that coverage for the Castletownbere area is provided by lifeboats stationed at Valentia and Baltimore. In addition there is a coast and cliff rescue station under the aegis of the Department, located at Castletownbere. The Irish Marine Emergency Service helicopter based at Shannon is also available in the event of emergency.
I am committed to ensuring that the Air-Sea Rescue Services around our coasts are maintained at the highest standard and extent possible and and that all available expertise be harnessed to the cause of safety at sea. The newly established Irish Marine Emergency Service of the Department will continue to work closely with the RNLI, and other bodies, with the objective of enhancing the general search and rescue structure.
