Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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463. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason a ban on the use of emergency blue lights and sirens by Irish Coast Guard teams is being implemented; and if this decision will be revised in view of the risk it poses to persons in need of emergency attendance by the coast guard. [10447/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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There is no change in the policy in relation to use of blue lights and sirens on Coast Guard vehicles. Under SI 694 and 695 of 2011, Coast Guard vehicles can be fitted with blue lights and warning devices. Arising from a safety review internally, the Coast Guard issued a clarification to its volunteers in relation to how these blue lights and warning devices (sirens) should be used on public roads. This instruction sets out the existing position as regards their use while driving on public roads and it mirrors best practice in other Emergency Services for untrained “Blue-light” drivers.  The issue of training Coast Guard volunteers and full-time staff in the correct and safe use of Blue Lights and sirens is being addressed as part of the Coast Guard’s Safety and Risk Work Plan.

Any legislative changes in relation to the use of blue lights and sirens would require a policy assessment which would have to take account, inter alia, of the need to balance the safety of staff, whether full-time or voluntary, members of the public as well as those to whom the Coast Guard is responding.

Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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464. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason the Irish Coast Guard has never been placed on a statutory footing particularly in view of the fact that Ireland is an island nation. [10448/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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On 15 February 2017 as a Commencement Matter in the Seanad, I comprehensively addressed the matter of Coast Guard Services and the proposition that the Coast Guard should be designated as a stand-alone primary response agency. Legislating for a stand-alone agency is an inherently complex task and the volunteer dimension of the Coast Guard's activities adds to that complexity.  The test for any such designation, given the complexity of the legislation and associated costs, is the added value it would bring. The Coast Guard is functioning very effectively as a Division of my Department and its role is supported through various legislative instruments.  For that reason, I advised at the time that it was difficult to identify any benefit or added value for legislation of this nature.

An Irish Coast Guard Authority Bill was proposed by Deputy Troy during 2018. Once the Bill has been progressed further, I will be happy to consider the matter once again and provide my views.

Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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465. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the request by an organisation (details supplied) to implement an urgent review of coast guard management and personnel will be agreed to. [10449/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The Coast Guard has no knowledge of the existence of the group named in the PQ other than through an anonymous email circulated to Oireachtas members.  As matters stand there is only one body in place to represent the interests and concerns of the Coast Guard volunteers which is the Coast Unit Advisory Group (CUAG). This group was established over 20 years ago. It comprises 6 volunteers elected by the volunteers. It has functioned as a sounding board for concerns from the volunteers and provides a platform for raising issues in relation to equipment, training, procedures, etc.  The CUAG has not called for a review of the Coast Guard.

On the broader question of reviewing the Coast Guard, there are various processes currently underway to address recommendations arising from the recent MCIB report into the fatal accident involving a Coast Guard boat in Kilkee and the recommendations arising from the recent AQE Report on the oversight of SAR aviation operations - all of which are relevant to the management and operation of the Irish Coast Guard. 

In November, I established a Search and Rescue Framework Review Group under an external chairperson to undertake a review of the current SAR Framework document, including follow-up to the relevant MCIB recommendations.  This document sets out the roles and responsibilities of those organisations involved in SAR in Ireland and the relationships between them. External expertise has been procured to assist the Review.  This work is progressing well and should be completed this Summer.