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Coast Guard Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2019

Tuesday, 5 March 2019

Ceisteanna (465)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

465. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the request by an organisation (details supplied) to implement an urgent review of coast guard management and personnel will be agreed to. [10449/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Coast Guard has no knowledge of the existence of the group named in the PQ other than through an anonymous email circulated to Oireachtas members.  As matters stand there is only one body in place to represent the interests and concerns of the Coast Guard volunteers which is the Coast Unit Advisory Group (CUAG). This group was established over 20 years ago. It comprises 6 volunteers elected by the volunteers. It has functioned as a sounding board for concerns from the volunteers and provides a platform for raising issues in relation to equipment, training, procedures, etc.  The CUAG has not called for a review of the Coast Guard.

On the broader question of reviewing the Coast Guard, there are various processes currently underway to address recommendations arising from the recent MCIB report into the fatal accident involving a Coast Guard boat in Kilkee and the recommendations arising from the recent AQE Report on the oversight of SAR aviation operations - all of which are relevant to the management and operation of the Irish Coast Guard. 

In November, I established a Search and Rescue Framework Review Group under an external chairperson to undertake a review of the current SAR Framework document, including follow-up to the relevant MCIB recommendations.  This document sets out the roles and responsibilities of those organisations involved in SAR in Ireland and the relationships between them. External expertise has been procured to assist the Review.  This work is progressing well and should be completed this Summer.

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