Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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296. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he will reply to correspondence (details supplied); the reason for the delay in furnishing a reply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12633/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I apologise for the delay in responding to the Deputy's correspondence. The reason for the delay in responding is that this matter is still under consideration by my Department. However, I will arrange for a response to issue as soon as possible to the Deputy.

For the Deputy's information, officials  from my Department have been pursuing with the Irish Underwater Council (Comhairle Fo Thuinn), the national governing body for recreational underwater sports in Ireland, the possible contribution that sub-aqua clubs could make in emergency response situations. This consideration is on-going. It is important to note that the Irish Coast Guard does not have, in its marine emergency response role, a relationship with sub aqua teams. Sub aqua teams are tasked by An Garda Síochána or the Naval Services as required.

As the Deputy is aware, I have asked my officials to consider the introduction of a modest capital grant scheme for mountain rescue activities. However, there are significant constraints on my Department's overall capital budget. Furthermore, there are other capital demands arising from my primary responsibility to provide a marine emergency response service. It will be some time later this year before it can be established whether there is any capital funding that could be utilised for mountain rescue services.

Given the current budgetary constraints I am not in a position to make any other commitments in relation to capital grant assistance at the present time. However, my officials will continue to consider whether an arrangement can be made with Comhairle Fo Thuinn in respect of utilising the skills and experience of its members if required in emergency large scale operations.