Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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129. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will make a small capital fund available to support inland waterways search and rescue groups in a similar manner to the mountain rescue fund available within the Department of Transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14552/14]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG), has delegated responsibility to provide search and rescue (SAR) and preventative services for the Ireland internationally assigned search and rescue region, the littoral area, rivers, lakes, waterways, mountains, caves and offshore islands. The provision of support for inland waterways SAR in a similar manner to supports for mountain rescue is within the remit of the IRCG and is, therefore, a matter for the Minister for Transport Tourism and Sport.

Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), which comes uinder the remit of my Department, while necessarily focusing on its core statutory functions of fisheries protection and control, also seeks to support and assist in emergency situations. IFI regularly mobilises boats, equipment and personnel to participate in emergency operations and offers its knowledge of, and expertise in, inland waterways operations where they can be of assistance to the relevant authorities. I believe this is an effective use of state resources at IFI's disposal.

I have asked my Department to copy the Deputy's question and my reply to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.