Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 November 2021
217. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport the evidence he has on measures taken by his Department to resolve the ongoing issues reported by volunteers of the Irish Coast Guard against the management and governance structures. [54527/21]
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.
I have been in touch with the Group above and arrangements are currently being finalised for me to meet with the Group shortly.
