Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Irish Coast Guard as a division of my Department has the delegated responsibility for maritime Search and Rescue. The Coast Guard provides maritime Search and Rescue through its three Rescue Co-ordination Centres, and dedicated search and rescue units.

These Search and Rescue Units are comprised of the Search and Rescue helicopters and Coast Guard Volunteer Units.  Search and Rescue Units are also 'declared' to the Coast Guard from the RNLI, with which the Coast Guard has a very close working relationship.

  In late 2016 my Department was assigned responsibility for section 4.3.O of the Programme for Government.  Due to the recent assignment of responsibility, there has not yet been opportunity for any in- depth analysis to take place.  The Deputy will appreciate that it is important that the appropriate analysis take place in advance of finalising the proposed grant aid scheme, particularly given the relationship to the health and safety diving regulations and recreational divers, and other more general issues related to the Coast Guard's functions in relation to maritime Search and Rescue.