Tom Shehan (Fine Gael)

In light of the announcement by the British Government to close 15 of its 18 lighthouses across the United Kingdom, will the Leader invite the Minister with responsibility for the marine to the House to establish if this will have any implications for Irish lighthouses? This matter was raised in the House on previous occasions. I am interested in it because a number of years ago the previous Government bought millions of euro worth of new equipment for the lighthouses at Malin Head and Valentia. That equipment is lying idle and has not been put installed. In light of the British Government's announcement this morning, does the fact that the equipment has not been installed indicate a policy of closure by stealth in respect of the Malin Head and Valentia lighthouses? I ask that the Minister come before the House, as a matter of urgency, to confirm that neither facility is being closed by stealth and also to indicate that the equipment will be installed in order that both might be upgraded and their futures secured.