Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)

We previously debated the issue of the closure of Valentia marine rescue co-ordination centre. It is to be hoped this issue will be debated shortly by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport. I wish to raise the issue of a meeting on 29 April 2008 between the management of the Coast Guard and the local community. The Coast Guard said both the semi-State body, ESB, and Eircom were not telling the truth when they said the facilities they provide to Valentia marine rescue co-ordination centre are up to standard. It acknowledged that the facility is understaffed which, considering the vital work the centre does, is a serious matter. It beggars belief that the Coast Guard has now given a new reason for the closure of the centre, namely, that there is apparently a security threat in Valentia. It says the centre is not secure enough because it is liable to a terrorist attack.