Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

I am pleased to have this opportunity to speak on the subject of Valentia and Malin Head Coast Guard co-ordination centres. I am familiar with both parts of the country and respect the service the centres have provided. While I understand the passion of the Deputies opposite, I wish to set out the current position with regard to proposals which have been reported.

The Deloitte & Touche study carried out in 2002 on the Irish Coast Guard provided a backdrop for ongoing improvements and developments in the Coast Guard over the past six years. A number of recommendations are strategic, including reducing the number of rescue co-ordination centres from the current three to two enhanced centres. The most economical option identified by the consultants was one single co-ordination centre to run the entire country, with a reserve centre nearby, which could be quickly activated if the main centre was out of commission and would also double as a training facility.

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