Seanad debates

Wednesday, 27 February 2008

Coast Guard Stations: Statements (Resumed).

 

1:00 pm

Photo of Paul CoghlanPaul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

It would also be a reversal of what all Senators, on both sides of the House, subscribe to. It flies in the face of common sense to remove such highly-trained and skilled people from these locations when they are already working extremely effectively and harmoniously. Valentia and Malin Coast Guard stations have a long service record and are extremely busy. They have dealt very effectively with many serious marine incidents over a long period.

It is good to see the Spanish ambassador in the Gallery because he knows full well the value of the Spanish-speaking proficiency of the people in these stations when they deal with so many Spanish trawlers and other Spanish personnel in sea incidents off our coast. I should also refer to Tadhg O'Donoghue, the recently retired chairman of ESB. He refuted very well the argument and gave his views strongly in favour of Valentia and Malin in an article in The Irish Times. He disputed very much the Irish Coast Guard's case for their total downgrade.

I am reliably informed by seafarers and people who sail off the south, west and north coasts of our country that they have tremendous confidence in the Valentia and Malin rescue centres. My learned colleague, Senator Joe O'Toole, stated it is not just about technology or radar screens but about all of the many years of experience. It is about people who know the size of the swell two days after the waves have gone and who know the sounds of Dursey, Sceilig MhichĂ­l and Sceilig Bheag and the Blaskets, and can tell one from the other.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.