Tim Lombard (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the issue of the American election, it is important that we recognise the democratic decision that has happened. It was a unique election and, in many ways, the people doing the polling and those in the media really got it wrong this time.

I want to raise the issue of what we are doing in regard to legislating for the Irish Coast Guard service, an issue that has been raised previously. At the moment, there is legislation for three of the primary response agencies, the fire service, the ambulance service and the Garda, but there is no legislation for the Coast Guard service. It is only a footnote in the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport's agenda and is not treated directly as an emergency service.

I call for a debate on this matter. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to come to the Chamber to debate these issues and to outline the position of the 1,000 volunteers who work for the Irish Coast Guard service and where all their good work fits into the equation. We need legislation that covers the Irish Coast Guard service and gives it a platform so it can increase its work profile to deliver more in outreach to the community, given it is a very important part of our coastal communities. The service needs resources and needs to be more than just a footnote at the end of the Department's agenda. If it was put on a legislative footing, it would give the service the impetus to move forward and become a more viable entity. It needs to be supported.