Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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At €95 million, or 5% of the overall Vote, the maritime programme provides primarily for the operating costs of the Irish Coast Guard, the bulk of which relate to the search and rescue, SAR, helicopter service. The allocation also part funds the Commissioners of Irish Lights and the building and renovation programme for Irish Coast Guard stations. The Irish Coast Guard requires a strong resource commitment on the part of the Exchequer. The SAR helicopter has seen a step change in the quality of service on offer and that will remain a priority. Future developments in IT will also ensure that the Irish Coast Guard will remain best in class internationally. At this point in the year, I expect to see this programme allocation fully expended.