Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

I would like the Leader to ask the Minister for Transport to clarify the current situation in respect of Valentia and Malin Head coastguard stations. The Minister of State, Deputy Roche, indicated on "The Week in Politics" that the Government's preferred option is to develop the Shannon facility. The Minister of State, the Department of Transport and the Tánaiste do not seem to be clear on this matter. I had been led to believe that no decision had been made.

My main concern relates to Malin Head station which, like Valentia station, is working very well. We should maintain what we have during the economic downturn, rather than creating greater expenditure in this manner. It makes sense, from an economic, emotional and infrastructural perspective, to upgrade what is in place at present. Nothing more complicated than that needs to be done.