Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Transport his position on the provision of a national emergency tug vessel; when a decision will be reached on the need for such a vessel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35825/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I have on many occasions pointed out to the House that I am aware of the importance of providing emergency towing vessel (ETV) facilities, including in an EU and Ireland-UK context.

While the benefits of having an ETV facility are known, the very significant cost of the facility 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.

The Coast Guard is looking at this issue and will advise me on suitable options. It is not, therefore, possible at present to bring forward specific measures for an ETV facility.