Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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198. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if funding will be made available for diving boats (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17015/15]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The Irish Coast Guard (IRCG), which is a division of my Department, does not have any formal relationship with diving teams or diving schools.

With regard to sub-aqua rescue and recovery groups, primary responsibility for missing person searches in inland waters is vested in An Garda Síochána. The IRCG has responsibility for co-ordination of maritime search and rescue on Irish coastal and offshore waters. Diving support to the IRCG is provided in the first instance by the Garda Water Unit and the Navy Diving team. Volunteer diving teams do on occasion offer assistance but in such scenarios their participation is based on an offer of support.

In that context there are no plans at the moment to make funds available for diving teams or boats.