Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I ask Deputies and the Minister to observe the clock because I will be strict on time to give everybody an opportunity to contribute.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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28. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address concerns that there are proposals in his Department to diminish Irish Coast Guard services or reduce the number of active stations in operation; and if he will consider proposals to place the Irish Coast Guard on a more distinct statutory footing. [39120/16]

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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I ask the Minister to address concerns that there are proposals in his Department to diminish Irish Coast Guard services or reduce the number of active stations in operation. Have such proposals emanated from the Department? If not, will the Minister confirm that that is the case and set out his view on whether the Irish Coast Guard should be placed on a more statutory or formal footing?

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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There are no proposals in my Department to diminish Irish Coast Guard services or reduce the number of active stations in operation. In my response to Parliamentary Question No. 677 of 15 November 2016 I outlined the legislative provisions that underpinned the activities of the Irish Coast Guard and confirmed that there was no requirement to put it on an additional statutory footing as the current arrangements were satisfactory for carrying out maritime search and rescue missions.

The Irish Coast Guard provides maritime search and rescue services through its three rescue co-ordination centres and dedicated search and rescue units. These search and rescue units comprise helicopters and Irish Coast Guard volunteer units. Search and rescue units are also declared to the Irish Coast Guard from the RNLI, with which the Irish Coast Guard has a very close working relationship. The Irish Coast Guard enjoys an equally strong relationship with the Defence Forces and both Naval Service and Air Corps assets are readily provided on request.

The location, distribution and response service provided by Irish Coast Guard assets are kept under continuous review, with a view to development and improvement in the delivery of search and rescue services. The Irish Coast Guard is working to improve buildings around the coast and investment in new equipment is an ongoing process. Current projects include procurement of upgraded all-terrain vehicles and climbing unit vans.

I reassure all Irish Coast Guard staff and volunteers that there are no plans to discontinue or downgrade any of the services provided around the coast.  I again acknowledge and thank the courageous volunteers who are untiring in their commitment to provide a search and rescue service for their local communities.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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While I welcome the commitment given by the Minister on this issue, I have not made up the concerns to which I allude. Many of my party colleagues, particularly Deputies who represent coastal constituencies, have been contacted by Irish Coast Guard volunteers, among whom there are palpable fears. I understand Irish Coast Guard volunteers are authorised officers under the Pollution Acts, 1991 to 2006, and the Merchant Shipping Act 1993 and that their appointment depends on a decision by the Minister. The legal advice available to me is that their position lacks grounding in the body of the relevant legislation and that this is creating fear in communities about the survival of the Irish Coast Guard service. The Irish Coast Guard is the only voluntary service which is not recognised in statute. While I accept the Minister's bona fides in this matter, will he alleviate the current fears about the Irish Coast Guard service by placing it on a more statutory footing?

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I do not doubt the authenticity of the concerns to which the Deputy refers, as I have also heard them. They should be allayed, however, by the response I have provided. I reassure the Deputy that, having made inquiries into this matter, they lack substance.

On the issue of whether the Irish Coast Guard lacks grounding on a statutory basis, let me spell out the reason it is sufficiently secure within my Department. Once known as the Irish Marine Emergency Service, the Irish Coast Guard was formally established in 1991 by Government decision through the creation of a new division within the then Department of the Marine. The Irish Coast Guard has sufficient powers, as a division of my Department, to carry out its functions which are augmented by various maritime legislation I have previously outlined to the House. If, at any stage, members of the Irish Coast Guard are justified in feeling insecure, I will be happy to review the position. However, I am not given to believe that is the case.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister has acknowledged that communities have concerns about this issue. I have heard these concerns, as, I am sure, the Minister of State, Deputy Patrick O'Donovan, whose constituency is located in a coastal county does. Perhaps the Minister's constituency might not stretch to the sea.

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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It is landlocked.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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According to the legal advice I have received, the Irish Coast Guard has not been placed on the same statutory footing as other emergency services. This is driving the concerns and fears of communities which did not emerge from thin air. I pay tribute to the work done by Irish Coast Guard volunteers. In times of emergency their voluntary efforts are critical and sometimes save lives. I acknowledge the Minister's statement that he would be willing to place the Irish Coast Guard on a stronger statutory footing if he believed it were necessary to do so. How do we go about convincing him that this is necessary, given that members of the Irish Coast Guard believe it is?

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I do not believe it is necessary and I certainly do not believe it is a majority or particularly vocal view. It is, however, one I have heard around the place, albeit without great authority. No one in the Irish Coast Guard has made representations to me on the issue and I pass the Irish Coast Guard office every day.

If I receive any official, authoritative or credible representations I will, of course, consider them. As the Deputy will be aware, the coastguard is supported by its volunteers who are unwavering in their commitment and bravery, very often in difficult circumstances and conditions. I would not like to miss this opportunity to join the Deputy in paying tribute to the phenomenal work they are doing for the nation and the people of the areas in which they live. The Deputy and I are united in the view that we need to be particularly sensitive to any kind of fears they express in light of the great work they are doing in our communities.