Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

In response to Deputy Broughan, the RSA budget was more than doubled last year from, I understand, €20 million to €44 million. Some €20 million of this was for new works but €10 million was specifically to clear the backlog. We have cleared the backlog and have managed to maintain this position, and we continue to hold on to a sizeable proportion of the extra funding we got last year for that specific purpose.

Funding for the Coast Guard and maritime administration is being maintained at its 2008 level of almost €44 million. The decision to maintain this level of funding in spite of the financial restrictions reflects the vital nature of the services being provided. These services include the operations of the Coast Guard which entail maintenance of a helicopter marine emergency service at four bases around the country; funding of voluntary services of 55 Coast Guard stations based around the coastline; and a pollution-salvage response programme and related and incidental matters. The Coast Guard maintains a marine radio communications network for marine and inland search and rescue, maritime safety information and vessel communication services.

The Department is the regulatory authority for marine safety and marine environmental protection. The main focus is on accident prevention through an appropriate combination of regulation, a heightening of safety awareness and enforcement. The Department participates at both EU and international level in the development and implementation of safety policies and standards in this area. The Marine Survey Office carries out the initial approval of designs and drawings for new vessels or modifications to existing vessels, and then carries out the necessary surveys.

Provision is also being made for Exchequer grants towards the costs of the Commissioners of Irish Lights under an international agreement with the UK authorities regarding the provision of aids to navigation, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the weather buoys network and Ireland's obligations under the International LORAN-C agreement on marine navigation. Funding is also being provided for the Marine Casualty Investigation Board. The allocation for 2009 provides for expenditure of €4 million on the Coast Guard's radio communications for essential upgrading of rescue centre radio communications. Some €27.5 million is being provided for the provision of the search and rescue helicopter services.

The Government is to be commended on its decision to continue to target resources at investment in the country's economic infrastructure. It is clear evidence of the Government's commitment to, among other things, the Transport 21 programme and the delivery of a world-class transport system for Ireland. Pursuit of this policy will leave us well placed to take advantage of a recovery in the world economy.

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