Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to the forthcoming decision affecting the future of Valentia Radio Station, County Kerry, if a decision has been made regarding the future of the station; if he will reveal that decision; if a decision has not been made, when will he bring his recommendations to Cabinet and when he expects a decision to be made; the specific evaluation criteria there are for any such decision, including weightings; and his plans regarding the offer made to him directly by the Director of the Coast Guard to transfer key rescue communications equipment and eventually staff from Malin Head, County Donegal and Valentia to Blanchardstown, County Dublin. [47876/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Following on from the Irish Coast Guard - Value for Money Review , no decisions have been made in relation to the Marine Radio Sub Co-ordination Centres at Valentia or Malin Head. When I published that review, and the Value for Money review of the Marine Survey Office in July last I made it clear that I wouldn't accept or reject any of the recommendations until a full assessment of the proposals has been undertaken and actions prioritised to address the issues identified as requiring attention. This process of assessment and preparation of the action plan is in hand in my Department and I expect it will be completed shortly.

No offer has been made by the Director of the Coast Guard, nor are there proposals being considered, to transfer equipment or staff from Malin Head or Valentia to Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in relation to the maritime radio stations, his plan to merge the MSO and IRCG divisions similar to the UK, thus saving on manpower and making end to end marine safety more efficient. [47877/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Both the Marine Survey Office (MSO) and the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) are divisions within the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and are under the responsibility of the Assistant Secretary responsible for the maritime sector. The recently completed value for money reviews undertaken by Fishers Associates into the MSO and the IRCG have recommended closer integration of both services, through for example sharing of IT systems,  exchange of expertise and leveraging of synergies. These issues are being reviewed as part of the Department's consideration of the recommendations in the value for money reviews.