Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I accept the Senator's invitation and thank him for it. It is open to me, as the Minister in charge, to go there at any time but I would be delighted to go with the Senator. Yes, the response could have been e-mailed to the Senator and his contribution could also have been e-mailed to me. That is absolutely correct but I have come before the House to give the response in public. My Department is very aware of the resourcing issues within the Coast Guard, including the requirements to augment support of the Coast Guard units. I am conscious of the difficulties involved. I have given the reasons why I cannot meet the Senator's requests at this time, but I would be very happy to engage in further dialogue with him on a visit in the future.