Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Defence if the service level of agreement between his Department and the Coastguard for the provision of services to the Coastguard by the Defence Forces has been finalised; and if not, when it will be finalised. [26006/08]

Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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The Irish Coast Guard has overall responsibility for the provision of maritime and inland Search and Rescue services within the Irish Search and Rescue region, for pollution and salvage response in the marine environment, and for marine safety awareness. In accordance with the roles assigned to them by Government in the White Paper on Defence, the Defence Forces are committed to providing support to the civil authorities including in relation to Search and Rescue. In this regard, the Defence Forces provide support to the Irish Coast Guard as the need arises and within their available capability. A Service Level Agreement has been drafted by my Department and the Irish Coast Guard to formalise the provision of services to the Irish Coast Guard by the Defence forces. Officials from my Department and the Irish Coast Guard are currently working closely on this agreement, and it is expected to be finalised shortly.