John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 321: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the negotiations that have taken place at EU level for an EU coastguard to be formed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34319/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Department has responsibility for marine emergency preparedness and response, maritime safety and ship and port security. A high level of co-operation already exists between EU member states in these areas. In addition, in recognition of the desire of member states and the Commission to strengthen links and create synergies between enforcement authorities, such as national coastguard services, the preamble to the draft directive of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union on ship-source pollution and on the introduction of sanctions for infringements, which is under consideration at the moment, includes a specific provision on examining the feasibility of a European coastguard dedicated to pollution prevention and response.

The draft directive calls for the Commission to undertake a feasibility study on the establishment of a European coastguard dedicated to pollution prevention and response, making clear the costs and benefits. To this end, a survey of how coastguard functions are organised across the member states of the EU has commenced and Ireland is participating fully in this study.