Vol. 457 No. 5
113 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for the Marine when he expects to act on the recommendation of the 1990 report of the review group on air-sea rescue services that coast and cliff rescue service units should be deployed to provide visual coast watch when and where required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15749/95]
114 Mr. Kenneally asked the Minister for the Marine when he expects to act on the recommendation of the 1990 report of the review group on air-sea rescue services that coast and cliff rescue service area officers should be trained as local search and rescue liaison officers, linking sea and land-based rescue agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15750/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 114 together. In line with the recommendations contained in the report of the review group on Air-Sea Rescue Services, the coast and cliff rescue (CCRS) is an integral part of the Irish marine emergency service. Direct paging and radio communications are now available between the Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre and local CCRS units. Each CCRS unit is available to provide a visual coast watch whenever and wherever required. All CCRS area officers are being trained as liaison officers to provide a local shorelink between sea rescue units and land based rescue units and mission co-ordinators.
