Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)

There is an element of the argument that has not been articulated by the Minister or the civil servants. Speaking from a technological perspective, we could locate one centre in New Delhi if we decided to do so because of advanced communication. However, technology is not the issue, it goes much deeper. This is about respecting the sea. If the mindset of the Government disrespects communities and a way of life, how in the name of God will it respect the sea? It is that simple.

This is not a parochial issue concerning just Kerry or Donegal. We live on an island that has been manned by two stations — ten years ago Valentia and Malin Head manned these stations on their own. Malin Head worked in conjunction with Belfast coast guard station and has intrinsic links with it. Internationally, Malin Head station has links with Ayr in Scotland and Valentia has intrinsic links with Spain. It is an international issue that we are trying to pull apart, a network of knowledge, familiarisation and experience with the sea.

Will we open a new centre on the west coast in an urban location? Will we introduce academics, people with masters degrees and PhDs, to it? Is the plan to give away the link with coastal communities, fishermen and people who know the sea? Computers cannot take account of tidal flows which are sometimes erratic. The knowledge and experience of people living on our coastline is needed.

The Minister for Transport, Deputy Noel Dempsey, is a conscientious man who fears lives will be lost if we do not change. If, however, he chooses to change the system, lives will be lost.

The Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, is responsible for the Office of Public Works. Does he want to preside over the procurement of more lands and the construction of a new centre in Limerick when next Tuesday's budget will make cutbacks in other Departments? Will the vital link with the people who know the sea be broken? Will we rely on those who learn about the sea from books? The issue at stake is one of maintaining communities and saving lives. Does the Government want to place lives in jeopardy? I do not believe that is the case. It is time it showed leadership rather than allowing civil servants take a hand at them by producing nonsensical documents.

See this speech in context