Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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197. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of funding for an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48808/18]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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Ballinskelligs Inshore Rescue are an organisation which is a declared resource to the Coast Guard.

They are a member of the Community Rescue Boats Ireland (CRBI), a nationwide group of independent voluntary rescue boats which are trained and administrated by Irish Water Safety.

Ballinskelligs Inshore Rescue receives a yearly grant as do all other CRBI members of approx. 5k from the Department. They also qualify for V.A.T. exemption under S.I. 249 of 2013.

Boat units which come under the direct control and management of the Coast Guard are stationed around the coast at the volunteer Coast Guard units. The capital and current costs of purchasing and maintaining the Coast Guard fleet are set out in the Voluntary Services and Training budgets.

The capital and current budgets do not take into account the financial needs of other organisations therefore the Coast Guard is not in a position to fund the cost of the equipment upgrade at Ballinskelligs Inshore Rescue.