Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I had a most constructive meeting with the UK Under Secretary of State for Transport on 21 May 2009. We discussed the delivery and development of the aids to navigation services in the UK and Ireland. We both appreciate the valuable work carried out by the service in both countries but stressed that we were anxious that optimum, cost-effective use should be made of the resources available in maintaining safe navigation in UK and Irish waters.

The Commissioners for Irish Lights, CIL, are funded by light dues which are paid into the general lighthouse fund for Great Britain and Ireland, together with a grant from the Irish Exchequer which is paid under an agreed formula. On the basis of a recent study, we agreed to alter the formula for apportioning Irish costs on a North-South basis. The existing 30-70 balance is to be replaced by a 15-85 apportionment, with effect from the current financial year, 2009-10, to be paid, as per the agreement, during the year 2010-11.

We also agreed on the need for an overall assessment of the provision of the integrated aids to navigation service to all regions in the UK and Ireland. An evaluation that will consider all aspects of delivery - including options for continuing increases in efficiency, potential improvements in structure and the overall arrangements for financing - is to be undertaken. My Department is continuing to engage with the Department of Transport UK in this regard.

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