Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I am asking it in a very general way. It was mentioned in the opening statement that inland waterways are included for rescue purposes. I was contacted some years ago by someone who was concerned that the Coast Guard was not used to help someone in distress in the River Liffey, as it happens. It was not in the city centre but in west Dublin. How is the Coast Guard called to deal with such incidents? Is it the air rescue service that is involved or are boats also involved? I had many such queries at the time.

We heard that seven members of staff are employed in Blanchardstown with three further people on the way. Are additional staff resources coming into any other aspect of the service? Has the Coast Guard asked for any staff that have not been provided? If so, I would welcome a comment in that regard.

Mr. Clonan indicated at the outset that the director of the Coast Guard is taking up an appointment with the EU capacity building mission in Somalia. I can understand there are particular issues in that regard in terms of why that would be a good initiative. What demands or calls are made on the Coast Guard in terms of the kind of expertise that is available on such missions? Is that unusual? Would it be taken up? I think it is probably a very good one. I would welcome an indication of whether it is something out of the ordinary.