Alderman Maura Hickey:

I thank the joint committee for giving me this opportunity. I will follow on from what Mr. Dallat has said. I am delighted to be here to support the Coast Guard. I represent an area where the population quadruples during the summer season. All too often, inexperience or high spirits have led to disaster and grief. More often, however, there have been happy endings where tragedy has been avoided.

The most recent incident was just a few weeks ago when a couple became stranded in a boat on a reef at the bar mouth, at the entrance to the River Bann. By the grace of God, the Coast Guard at Malin Head picked up a distress signal, alerted the Irish Coast Guard helicopter and the couple were plucked from those dangerous waters. This is a story without grief but it could have ended with much more serious consequences without the alertness and quick thinking of the Malin Head Coast Guard personnel who know the area, and the other organisations needed to co-ordinate such a rescue.

This is only one account but I hope it helps to underline the absolute need for the Coast Guard personnel to remain in Malin Head, reaching out to the people of my area who have relied on their skills and experience for many years. I pray that wise counsel will prevail and that we will not be robbed of this magnificent service now or in the future. I pay tribute to the Coast Guard.