Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 October 2021
93. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Transport the actions he has taken to address difficulties within the Irish Coast Guard; if his attention has been drawn to the expenditure of €140,000 by the Irish Coast Guard on training and mediation support; his views on whether the current situation is entirely unsatisfactory; and if he will outline a process to address the grievances highlighted by an organisation (details supplied). [50257/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) is committed to supporting the near 900 dedicated volunteers who help provide the important and life-saving services of the IRCG. In regard to representation within the volunteer cadre of the Coast Guard, the Coastal Unit Advisory Group has been in existence for over 20 years. The Coastal Unit Advisory Group (CUAG) is the dedicated body in place, made up of elected volunteers and full time staff to represent the interests of the Coast Guard volunteers. Recent press coverage includes accounts of volunteers who have either been dismissed from the organisation or have resigned. While managing nearly 900 volunteers HR issues are bound to arise. The Coast Guard's Code was recently reviewed by an external professional HR consultancy and its procedures are deemed to be best practice. In the event of difficult HR cases external professional advice is sought to assist with the cases and adherence with procedures and also to provide mediation or team building and training on HR management.
