Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will retain Valentia coastguard station in County Kerry; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Valentia responds to two thirds of the mayday calls around the coast and is responsible for saving hundreds of lives over many years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46275/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I recognise the huge contribution and personal commitment that Coast Guard staff and volunteers have made,and continue to make, to the successful delivery of Ireland's maritime safety and emergency response service. The recent Value for Money reviews of the Coast Guard and Marine Survey Office in my Department have identified a number of weaknesses in our marine emergency response services which have to be addressed.  In response, I have informed the Government that I will consider the matters raised in the reports and prepare an action plan to address the gaps in services identified. I made it clear when publishing the reports that I did not propose to accept or reject any of the recommendations in the reports until I have considered the issues in full. Whilst this process may require tough decisions my intention is to address the services gaps identified, some of which have been evident for a number of years, and to create a more efficient and effective service. 

In the main, these changes are not about saving money but rather they are about using existing staff and other resources more efficiently to strengthen the work of the Coast Guard and the Marine Survey Office, to improve maritime safety and the delivery of maritime services by my Department.  For the Deputy's information, there is no consideration being given by me to the location of a so-called 'redundancy' centre in Blanchardstown or the Dublin 15 area, which I understand has been the subject of some speculation.