Cecilia Keaveney (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 342: To ask the Minister for Transport further to a report (details supplied) when a plan for the implementation of the recommendations will be finalised and progressed in view of the fact that this was to happen in April 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16660/06]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Consultants retained by my Department to conduct a study of the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) made over one hundred recommendations for the future development of the service having regard to international best practice and value for money. The recommendations concern IRCG functions, structure and operations. A number of recommendations are strategic in nature, for example reducing the number of rescue co-ordination centres from the current three to two as well as proposals for a new management structure for the service. Other recommendations relate to operational matters and many of these have already been implemented by the IRCG.

Following the transfer of the maritime transport functions to the Department of Transport on 1 January 2006, which included the Maritime Safety Directorate and the Irish Coast Guard, I have asked my officials to review current and proposed arrangements for the delivery of these services, with a view to a closer integration of these functions into overall transport policy, and to report back as quickly as possible. As part of this review, I have also asked Coast Guard management to finalise its assessment of the needs of each of the rescue co-ordination units with a view to undertaking necessary development and re-equipping work.