Vol. 555 No. 2
242 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, if he will increase substantially the amount of Exchequer funding for the Kerry Mountain Rescue Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18203/02]
I am pleased to inform the House that I have allocated an additional €70,000 this year for mountain and cave rescue services in Ireland. This sum is in addition to the €100,000 already provided and will go towards meeting additional expenses which a number of mountain and cave rescue teams have identified.
This is the first year my Department has responsibility for the allocation of funding for mountain and cave rescue and the arrangements will be overseen by the Irish Coastguard who, at this time, is assessing the allocation of these additional funds among the various teams involved. I look forward to an enhanced and close working relationship between mountain and cave rescue services and my Department.
