Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 March 2022
1. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Transport the status of the steps taken to identify and resolve issues between volunteers and management at the Irish Coast Guard; the status of the reconstitution of the Doolin Coast Guard unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12311/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI ask the Minister of State the status of the steps taken to identify and resolve issues between volunteers and management of the Irish Coast Guard generally, and the status of the reconstitution of the Doolin Coast Guard unit.
The Deputy will have been aware that the Doolin volunteer team was stood down due to concerns about the safety of its operations in the circumstances pertaining at the time. I am happy to confirm that the unit has been reconstituted on an interim basis, with a core group of volunteers who, the Coast Guard believes, can work and operate together. This follows extensive engagement by Coast Guard management with volunteers in Doolin, culminating in my appointment of Mr. Kieran Mulvey as mediator. Mr. Mulvey’s report made a number of recommendations in respect of the service in Doolin. I can advise that the Coast Guard is currently fully engaged in the process of rebuilding the Doolin unit, guided by the recommendations outlined in Mr. Mulvey’s report which was issued on 10 December 2021. The serving Doolin volunteers were advised by letter on 16 December 2021 that the previous unit had been stood down on a permanent basis, with all volunteer memberships terminated. Mr. Mulvey advised that the Coast Guard and my Department should move with immediate effect to reconstitute the Doolin unit and to reinstate those members of the unit who management in the Coast Guard believe can work and operate together in a collegiate and co-operative manner. The report advised that the reconstituted unit should be given sufficient time to develop a culture between them of mutual respect and trust. It was also recommended that, within a further period and when deemed appropriate, a further expansion of the unit should be considered to build the unit back up to full strength from local volunteers, and preferably before next summer.
I can confirm that the selection of volunteers to provide service to the reconstituted unit has been completed and those selected have been informed. Management within the Coast Guard will soon commence the process of recruitment to the Doolin unit on a permanent basis. Once the detailed arrangements for the process have been finalised, all Doolin current and former volunteers will be advised of those arrangements and the timeframes which will apply to the submission of applications. We expect to be in contact with all former volunteers in relation to this recruitment process by mid-April 2022, bearing in mind Mr. Mulvey’s recommendation to allow the reconstituted unit sufficient time to develop a culture between them of mutual respect and trust.
We have seen the Mulvey report, which identified a breakdown of mutual trust, respect and confidence. That was a real concern and still is, in many respects, because the Doolin unit has not yet been fully reconstituted. What is the volunteer complement at the moment, on an interim basis? How does it compare to the full capacity? Is the Minister of State satisfied that the interim arrangement is safe, comprehensive and fit for purpose, on an interim basis? Recommendations were made on further engagement in respect of training, operations, equipment and activities. I ask her to provide an update on the progress made with that.
On the complement of the team, there are currently eight members. It is difficult to comment on the numbers of the reconstituted team. There will perhaps be 12 members of the team to start with. Currently, additional cover is being provided from Kilkee and Killaloe. Helicopter and other emergency services are also being provided.
The other recommendations of the Mulvey report are being actioned by the Coast Guard in relation to the areas outlined by the Deputy. As part of the recommendations, I have recommended an associated review of the Coastal Unit Advisory Group, CUAG, which is the official representative group of the volunteers. I have recommended that the CUAG's terms of reference, grievance, complaints and disciplinary procedures are reviewed. That was also a recommendation of the Mulvey report. I have recommended that that review is completed by the end of this month. It is absolutely critical. The CUAG members are working with the Coast Guard on that to ensure that the CUAG plays a very strong representative role, representing the volunteers of the Coast Guard. Along with my officials, I have been engaging on a regular basis with the CUAG in relation to that work.
That is where I was going with my supplementary question. As the Minister of State is aware, much attention has been focused on cultural and operational difficulties within the Coast Guard. Indeed, committee members in particular, and people more broadly, have been contacted by volunteers and former volunteers about the issue. A dire picture has been painted. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications has engaged with the Department and the Coast Guard. We intend to pick up on those engagements again in April with the Irish Coast Guard Volunteers Representative Association, ICGVRA, and the CUAG. I welcome the Minister of State's update in relation to the CUAG and the timeline she set out. I am aware that the Minister of State has previously stated that she will not meet with the ICGVRA. I ask her to keep that door open and to listen to what the representatives have to say when they attend the joint committee in April. I am trying to be helpful here. It is most important that we create space where all voices are heard. I ask the Minister of State to keep the door open for that group.
What we all want is a fully functioning Coast Guard in Doolin. It is important to state that the current and only recognised representative group for volunteers is the CUAG, which has been in existence for more than 20 years. What I want to do, and what is happening as part of this review, is to ensure that any gaps that are there from the CUAG's perspective, whether around grievance or disciplinary procedures, are addressed and volunteers are represented fully. According to the terms of reference, the CUAG is the representative group. It acts as the consultative body on matters pertaining to management, training, equipment, administration and roles of the Coast Guard unit. The CUAG has been very effective. This review is going to be key to ensuring that the CUAG has a very strong representative role in relation to HR matters, including grievance procedures, and how they work. That is the work that is ongoing as part of the review of the terms of reference. That was also a recommendation made in Mr. Mulvey's report. The work that is currently being done, hand in hand with the Coast Guard, is absolutely critical to ensuring that volunteers have all the equipment and wherewithal to deal with grievances and issues that arise. We must remember that these people are volunteering across the country. We must ensure that they are equipped to carry out their role.
Was the question not transferred?
No. The Ceann Comhairle's office must be notified. Other Members cannot come in on priority questions. Members have asked me about speaking on priority questions. Members cannot come in on another Member's priority question. If there is a change, the Ceann Comhairle's office must be notified beforehand and permission given. Otherwise, we are back to the bad old ways of Members changing at the last minute.
