Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important to acknowledge that the units continue to actively recruit members from within their communities. They are very keen to enrol volunteers. Once enrolled, volunteers enter a training programme to assist their communities with the search-and-rescue response. In the past two years, there has been no exception. Despite the challenge of Covid, units have been able to enrol new members and advance existing team members in key training requirements.

The number of volunteer grievance cases remains low. They represent less than 0.5% of the total volunteer cadre. Given the number of volunteers, amounting to over 900 in total, the percentage is very low by comparison with that in similar organisations. I assure the Senators that it is my priority, and that of the Coast Guard and Department, to ensure Doolin Coast Guard unit will be returned to operational readiness as quickly as practicable. A plan is being put in place to ensure this. There is a role for an independent person or mediator to be appointed to the Doolin unit to resolve the difficulties. I intend to progress that as a matter of priority. I will also be continuing to engage with volunteers.