Results 1,821-1,840 of 4,717 for speaker:Martin Mansergh

Flooding at Newcastle West. (8 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: It is beyond doubt, however, that the rainfall over the area on the night of 31 July and 1 August was several times greater than the highest level that would be expected and that in turn produced a flood in the river far beyond the normal probabilities of occurrence. The River Arra, which flows through the town, is part of the River Feale catchment and is therefore maintained on a regular...

Flooding at Newcastle West. (8 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: ——and I assure them of my support for the work that is already under way to provide reassurance to them regarding risk in the future.

Irish Coast Guard Service. (8 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: 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...

Irish Coast Guard Service. (8 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: The need for strengthened resilience in the event of a severe localised incident, which could make the one centre and its close by reserve centre inoperable, has led to the focus on a two centre operation. The consultants suggested three possible scenarios. These were to build two new centres, to use and upgrade one existing centre and build one new centre or to use and upgrade two of the...

Irish Coast Guard Service. (8 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: No. I suggest the Deputies hear me out. As I will repeat when I conclude, the options are under consideration and no decision has been finalised on the matter. I am explaining the thinking and options.

Irish Coast Guard Service. (8 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: Changing the Coast Guard configuration to a two centre operation will require that both centres have the capability to carry the entire country's needs for protracted periods. This means a significant increase in the size, organisation and facilities needed in a marine rescue sub-centre, its buildings and support facilities. What is envisaged is a modern, efficient and flexible national...

Irish Coast Guard Service. (8 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: Yes, but it may still not be perfectly up to the challenge of the 21st century.

Irish Coast Guard Service. (8 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: Does Deputy Sheahan want to listen to me?

Irish Coast Guard Service. (8 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: Would the Deputies like to show common courtesy and hear me out? As the House will be aware, there has been considerable debate on the subject in the intervening years. Installation of new communications equipment at MRCC Dublin is at an advanced stage of planning. A decision on the west coast location will, as I have indicated, be made shortly. It will be aimed at improving the overall...

Irish Coast Guard Service. (8 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: There may be confusion in the public mind——

Irish Coast Guard Service. (8 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: ——on the work done in co-ordination centres and that undertaken by local volunteers.

Irish Coast Guard Service. (8 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: No lifeboats or Coast Guard rescue teams are being moved as a result of this process. A significant element of local knowledge comes from the local Coast Guard units and lifeboat crews strategically positioned all around the coast. Their local knowledge of tides, currents, bays and local historical incident locations is invaluable to the Coast Guard watch officers at the centres. Neither...

Irish Coast Guard Service. (8 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I strongly deprecate the notion of conspiracy theories attacking the minds of civil servants.

Irish Coast Guard Service. (8 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: Decisions, in principle, taken at one time——

Irish Coast Guard Service. (8 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: ——may be revised at a later time without requiring conspiracies to explain them. Should the decision be made to move from Malin or Valentia——

Irish Coast Guard Service. (8 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: ——options for keeping existing staff running their current watches from their existing stations will be developed in order to fully utilise the professional knowledge of staff operating from their current locations. In effect, this will mean electronically linking their current watches with the west coast centre——

Irish Coast Guard Service. (8 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: ——in order that they can continue to stand watch and have their knowledge and skills available to the mission controllers. No officer will be forced to move or lose his or her job.

Irish Coast Guard Service. (8 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I again confirm that the Minister expects a decision to be taken shortly and that the House can be assured that the extensive range of views——

Irish Coast Guard Service. (8 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: ——and representations made to date will be considered.

Credit Institutions (Financial Support) Bill 2008: From the Seanad (2 Oct 2008)

Martin Mansergh: I thank all Deputies for their contributions to the debate, particularly the spokespersons and leaders of Fine Gael and the Labour Party. The Minister will take careful account of everything that has been said in the House, both this morning and last night, in drafting the scheme and proceeding generally with the legislation. In reply to Deputy Bruton and others, the basic point is that the...