Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

That is where I was going with my supplementary question. As the Minister of State is aware, much attention has been focused on cultural and operational difficulties within the Coast Guard. Indeed, committee members in particular, and people more broadly, have been contacted by volunteers and former volunteers about the issue. A dire picture has been painted. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications has engaged with the Department and the Coast Guard. We intend to pick up on those engagements again in April with the Irish Coast Guard Volunteers Representative Association, ICGVRA, and the CUAG. I welcome the Minister of State's update in relation to the CUAG and the timeline she set out. I am aware that the Minister of State has previously stated that she will not meet with the ICGVRA. I ask her to keep that door open and to listen to what the representatives have to say when they attend the joint committee in April. I am trying to be helpful here. It is most important that we create space where all voices are heard. I ask the Minister of State to keep the door open for that group.

See this speech in context