Written answers

Wednesday, 8 June 2011

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Coast Guard Service

9:00 pm

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 218: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, in view of impending retirements, if the full complement of staff will be maintained at Valentia coast guard radio station, County Kerry, as this is a front-line emergency service; if he will fast-track the installation of urgently needed updated equipment at Valentia coast guard radio station; when he now expects responsibility for this service to be transferred to the Department of the marine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14690/11]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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In relation to the current staffing complement and impending retirements of staff at Valentia, Malin and Dublin a panel of candidates have been created by the Public Appointment Service from which three new Officers have been recruited and are currently undergoing their new entrant training. A Deputy Divisional Controller promotion competition has also been sanctioned. Further take up off the panel is likely to be subject to the functional efficiency review being undertaken by the Department as part of the Croke Park Agreement.

As regards the installation of Integrated Communications System (ICS) at Valentia, the existing buildings will have to be adapted to accommodate the ICS equipment. Planning for this is currently underway in consultation with the Office of Public Works. Works are not expected to commence this year. Discussions between both Departments are ongoing to transfer the functions of the Irish Coast Guard to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Discussions have also taken place with the Office of the Attorney General in relation to a number of complex legal issues arising in the transfer.

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