John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 464: To ask the Minister for Transport the amount of funding provided to inshore and offshore marine rescue services in 2006; the number of personnel involved in providing these services; if the State provides other resources to these services, such as training; if staff at his Department liase regularly with members of these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5229/07]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Funding for inshore and offshore marine rescue services is provided through the Irish Coast Guard which has overall responsibility for management and co-ordination of marine search and rescue operations. The table provides details of funding in 2006, together with information on the personnel involved.

Helicopter search and rescue services are provided on a contract basis by Canadian Helicopter Corporation (Ireland) Ltd. The Coast Guard also supports some 54 Coast Guard Units located around the Coastline. The members of these units are volunteers and funding covers all needs, including accommodation, vehicles, equipment and training. A further 9 Community Rescue Boat Ireland (CRBI) services (inshore) receive grant payments towards current expenditure incurred each year. Capital grant aid is also available to them. The RNLI, whose members are also volunteers, receives an annual grant towards costs, and in 2006 the grant amounted to €175,000.

Canadian Helicopters (Ireland) Ltd and the RNLI provide their own training of personnel. The Coast Guard provides training for the Coast Guard Unit volunteers and provides some assistance to the CRBI services in their training. Staff of the Coast Guard regularly liaise with all the providers of marine rescue services. The Coast Guard assures itself that these services are at all times capable of responding to rescue requirements.