Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 140: To ask the Minister for Transport if, in view of the recent series of maritime disasters, he has made a decision to provide an emergency towing vessel to provide extra protection for mariners and the Irish coast in general; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3135/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The importance of providing emergency towing vessel facilities, ETV, to protect our coasts has been recognised, including the possibility of sharing such services with the UK in relation to the east coast. However, the very significant costs involved has meant that, in the context of other marine emergency response priorities, it has not been possible to date to put permanent ETV arrangements in place. I have therefore asked the Coast Guard to look again at this issue and advise me on suitable options having regard to associated costs and benefits.