Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 906: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will assist with a request from a coast guard unit (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35167/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Primary Coastal Search and Rescue services in Ireland are provided by a combination of RNLI Lifeboats, Community Rescue Boats, and response boats operated by Volunteer Coast Guard Units. These services can be augmented by the Naval Service ships on a request and 'as available' basis, in addition to support that can be provided by other vessels of opportunity.

The RNLI operate a lifeboat in Valentia, and the area is also serviced by the new Coast Guard helicopter from Shannon. A community rescue boat operates close by out of Ballinskelligs and a Coast Guard rigid inflatable boat operates from across the bay in Dingle. There are no plans to locate a boat in Knightstown with the Coast Guard Unit at this time.