Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to be associated with the vote of sympathy. I wish to offer my condolences to the crew and the families. I have seen at first hand the work of the Irish Coast Guard helicopter at Strandhill in Sligo. They were called on during the night in question as well. I have spoken to these people. It would be remiss of us not to acknowledge the work these people - the crew and staff and all those within the Irish Coast Guard - have done over the years.

We have had meetings in recent months relating to recruitment. What steps has the Minister of State taken to increase recruitment? Have all the possibilities of increasing the intake this year been explored? There was some talk that there may be no additions this year. The bottom line is the question of whether we have the funding. Is there funding to pay for all the new recruits who will be recruited during the current year?