Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding a radio station (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37713/12]

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will acknowledge the work carried out over many years by both Valentia and Malin coast guard marine rescue coordination centres by confirming that both stations remain open and operational and fully resourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37779/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1871 and 1906 together.

I recognise the huge contribution and personal commitment that Coast Guard staff and volunteers at all sites around the state have made, and continue to make, to the successful delivery of Ireland's maritime safety and emergency response service.

The recent Value for Money reviews of the Coast Guard and Marine Survey Office in my Department carried out by Fisher Associates have identified a number of weaknesses in our marine emergency response services which have to be addressed.  In response, I have informed the Government that I will consider the matters raised in the reports and prepare an action plan to address the gaps in services identified. I have also made it clear that I do not propose to accept or reject any of the recommendations of Fishers Associates at this stage. I intend to present this action plan to Government in October.  Whilst this process may require tough decisions my intention is to address the services gaps identified, some of which have been evident for a number of years, and to create a more efficient and effective service. 

In the main, these changes are not simply about saving money but rather they are about using existing staff and other resources as efficiently as possible to strengthen the work of the Coast Guard and the Marine Survey Office in delivering maritime safety services, thus  helping to improve maritime safety in general.