Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I endorse the Chairman’s welcome. I believe I speak for everybody in saying that what Mountain Rescue Ireland does is valued. I do not believe it is at all undervalued. Anybody who is near a mountain range is aware of the existence of mountain search and rescue teams. I live in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, where there is an annual church gate collection. I presume it happens nationwide and that it brings in a certain amount of money.

It seems to me that a great deal of the emphasis in the presentation has been on the lack of funding or resources. We are all familiar with advertising campaigns broadcast on television and radio during the summer months relating to water safety and swimming. Is Mountain Rescue Ireland behind the curve in marketing its safety message in that regard? Has it considered getting a sponsor for the organisation? Would an insurance company, for example, provide a trade-off for its name being used in the organisation's title in exchange for the cost of insurance cover, which obviously seems to be a major issue?