Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses today. The old adage holds that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". These stations have been performing very efficiently in every respect. They have gained a considerable amount of knowledge, experience and expertise throughout the years. We should consider the retention and enhancement of the structures in place. Regardless of what any service does, there is always room for improvement and this is what we should be considering.

The value of these stations is well known. It is baffling and difficult to comprehend because hundreds of thousands of euro worth of new radio and communications equipment is being installed in Valentia. The station's main operations room is being upgraded and other rooms have been prepared to host equipment for a more automated service. Kerry County Council has spent €150,000 on upgrading the access road. Something similar is happening at the station at Malin Head. More than €1 million of investment has been made at the time when money is scarce in the country. The issue is the location. The staff work out in the most treacherous seas in the north Atlantic terrain. They go out over 200 miles into the ocean performing their duties and services. They are working marvellously.

I received a reply to a written question from the Minister yesterday. I note that these changes in the main are not about saving money and that is fair enough. A newspaper report was published yesterday and reference was made to the possibility of political strokemanship by the Minister. I will take his response clearly. I did not raise this matter in the question but the Minister replied that no consideration was being given regarding the location of a so-called redundancy centre in Blanchardstown or the Dublin 15 area, a matter which, the answer noted, had been the subject of some speculation. I take his word and his credibility on this and he is a man of high ethics and dignity. We should get back to the Minister and consider the merits of what we have in place. I believe he will act in a positive manner.