Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 477: To ask the Minister for Transport the position regarding the proposed closure of Valentia and Malin Head coastguard stations; the number of jobs that will be affected by these closures; his views on announcements made a few years ago that Valentia and Malin Head would be upgraded and not closed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11960/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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It is my intention that the Irish Coast Guard and Maritime Administration will be strengthened to meet the needs of this country well in the 21st century. In doing so, I want to stress that no officer will be forced to move or lose their jobs. Should the decision be to move from Malin Head or Valentia the possibility of keeping existing staff running their current watches from their existing stations is under evaluation.

The issue of the number of centres was raised in a 2002 Deloitte & Touche Irish Coast Guard Study. The report recommended two Centres but did not identify where they should be. Over the years three possibilities have been put forward. The first was to close Dublin. The second was to close either Malin or Valentia. The most recent proposal would in fact involve possibly relocating all three but leave one on the east coast, along with the Coast Guard and Maritime Administration headquarters, and one on the west coast.

In relation to a west coast location, I have not finalised where that location should be but expect to be in a position to do so shortly. The review of locations is currently under way and the possibilities have narrowed to a choice between a site in the Limerick/Shannon area or Malin or Valentia.

The Deputy will understand that the Coast Guard restructuring that is being worked on is aimed at improving the overall quality and efficiency of a key public service. The proposals will be considered in the context of the many comments I have received and also taking account of the Tánaiste's Budget Day request to each Department to undertake an efficiency review of expenditure.