John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this very important issue. I am taking this Adjournment debate on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.

As part of the Croke Park agreement, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport engaged a specialist international maritime transport management consultancy, Fisher Associates, to undertake a value for money review of services provided by the Irish Coast Guard, IRCG, and the marine survey office, MSO. These reports were published by the Department on 5 July 2012. The IRCG and the MSO are internal divisions of the Department and are not separate statutory agencies. Taken together, the reports call for a comprehensive integrated programme of work to enhance maritime safety and emergency response services. Among the issues identified by the Fisher Associates review was the need to enhance, as a priority, Ireland's capacity to prepare for and respond to major oil pollution incidents. The review also found that more support is needed for the volunteers in our coastal rescue units, particularly in the areas of improved training courses, oversight and supervision, day-to-day management, risk and quality control. The review found that a significant backlog in transposing legislative provisions into Irish law needs to be addressed, as does Ireland's additional inspection obligations. Furthermore, improved administrative and IT systems are needed to support delivery of services and the development of management and accountability systems across the maritime safety services. The Fisher report concluded that such systems would contribute to alleviating staff shortages and it recommends that realistic fees should be charged for the services provided by the MSO. It also pointed out the need for improved risk management and for periodic reviews and auditing of operational arrangements. The report also calls for improved communications, both internally and with stakeholders and other partners, for enhanced service delivery.

The Minister has informed the Government that the issues raised in the reports will be examined by the Department and that he proposes to present an action plan in October, addressing the deficiencies identified. The issues that have been identified in the report for action are serious and must be addressed, particularly in relation to oil pollution response capacity and volunteer training and management. The Minister has made it clear that he does not propose to accept or reject any of the recommendations in the Fisher report at this stage. Furthermore, no decisions have been taken at this time in relation to these matters. In preparing the action plan, the Department will assess each recommendation and will prioritise actions to address the deficiencies. That process will call for tough decisions to be made. It is important to recognise that resources available to the maritime services are very limited and must be deployed on a prioritised basis and as effectively and efficiently as possible to address the most urgent needs. Having robust and efficient maritime safety regulatory arrangements and emergency response services in place will also be crucial for the development of shipping trade and employment, which have a key role to play in Ireland's economic recovery.

I also take the opportunity to inform the House that new communications systems have been installed in Malin Head centre as part of the general upgrading of the communications systems infrastructure nationally.