Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There has been a remarkable series of events since the Deloitte & Touche report in 2002 and we have almost come full circle given that so much has happened. Following that report, it appeared the Malin Head and Valentia Coast Guard stations would be closed. The then Minister, Dermot Ahern was in situ at that time. Around 21 October 2003 it appeared as if he would maintain Malin Head and Valentia and close the Dublin station. Later during the term of office of the then Minister, Noel Dempsey, it was suggested that Malin Head and Valentia be closed. After much deliberation the coastal communities in and around Kerry and Cork came together with the communities not only in Donegal, but across the north west, as exemplified by the presence of Mr. John Dallat, MLA, representing that community, based on the fact that we had the necessary technological capacity to sustain the situation. More importantly, we had the support of the maritime communities, including the emergency rescue communities who are the practitioners on the ground and know the need for people who understand and can identify the specific geographic location and know the terrain. All of those factors came into play and once again we thought the question would be resolved and there would be three locations, Valentia, Malin Head and Dublin, where marine rescue services would be co-ordinated. Then there was a directive that equipment would be purchased and all the centres would be upgraded. The equipment was purchased but it was put into storage in rented space in Blanchardstown for so long that apparently the manufacturer's warranty expired. It appears the Department has sought a new warranty. I welcome the fact that hundreds of thousands of euro have been invested in upgrading Malin Head station and Valentia will also be upgraded, but where is the sense in returning to the matter when we thought the issue was resolved? What agenda is at play? Why do we keep coming back to the issue of having to defend the services at Malin Head and Valentia?

I understand that discussions have taken place between staff and unions with senior management and the Minister.

What would the cost savings be if the Department were to close the stations at Malin Head and Valentia? The stations would still have to be maintained and they have vital communications equipment and antennae. There would have to be security at the stations to maintain them. Staff would have to be transferred and many staff will simply take early retirement. Where are the cost savings in real terms and where is the logic in all of this?

Finally, did the Department consult during the consultation process? I can only speak authoritatively about Malin Head. Did the Department consult the Donegal Mountain Rescue Team, the RNLI, the Coast Guard staff at the stations, the Northern Ireland Assembly, the government agencies in the North responsible for maritime safety or with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland? Were all these agencies consulted? Finally, if we can put this to bed and get a solution-----