Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 250: To ask the Minister for Transport if his Department will have to pay additional funds to the Commissioners of Irish Lights following a decision by the British Government to end subvention for coastal navigation beacons in Irish waters; the effect this decision will have on marine safety in Irish waters; the discussions he has had with the British authorities on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20016/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Commissioners of Irish Lights (CIL) are an example of long-standing British-Irish and North-South co-operation serving the mutual interests of its communities. There are three General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs) for Britain and Ireland. CIL are the authority for all of Ireland, the Northern Lighthouse Board for Scotland and the Isle of Man and Trinity House for England and Wales. The entire system of lights and navigational aids is funded by the General Lighthouse Fund (GLF) as a single financial unit. Expenditure is met from the GLF which derives its income principally from the collection of light dues levied on commercial shipping at ports. The three GLAs spend a total of almost £100m. each year to provide the service. This arrangement predates the foundation of the State.

The light dues collected at Irish ports are supplemented by annual Exchequer contribution to the GLF so that the total revenues from sources in the State account for 50% of expenditure by CIL in the State or 50% of 70% of CIL's total expenditure. The remaining 50% is met out of GLF revenues from UK Light Dues. A review of funding of CIL has been underway since February 2007. The review followed sustained pressure over many years in the UK by ship-owning interests which complained that they were, in effect, subsidising the Irish lights service to an unreasonable extent. Negotiations are continuing with the UK Department for Transport on all elements of funding arrangements including any implications for the Irish Exchequer contribution.

UK authorities have indicated that they support continuing the service as a single integrated system covering Britain and Ireland. The lighthouse authorities' operations are being examined with a view to maximising the benefits of the integrated system in the interest of safe navigation in both Irish and UK waters. I have arranged to meet Mr. Jim Fitzpatrick, UK Under Secretary of State for Transport, on 21 May 2009 and will be discussing these matters with him.