Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2019
257. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to put the Irish Coast Guard on a statutory basis in view of the important work it carries out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10967/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 15th February 2017 as a Commencement Matter in the Seanad, I comprehensively addressed the matter of Coast Guard Services and the proposition that the Coast Guard should be designated as a stand-alone primary response agency. Legislating for a stand-alone agency is an inherently complex task and the volunteer dimension of the Coast Guard's activities adds to that complexity. The test for any such designation, given the complexity of the legislation and associated costs, is the added value it would bring. The Coast Guard is functioning very effectively as a Division of my Department and its role is supported through various legislative instruments. For that reason, I advised at the time that it was difficult to identify any benefit or added value for legislation of this nature.
An Irish Coast Guard Authority Bill was proposed by Deputy Troy during 2018. Once the bill has been progressed further, I will be happy to consider the matter once again and provide my views.
