Written answers
Tuesday, 5 March 2019
Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport
Coast Guard Services
Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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472. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are grave concerns among the 950 Irish Coast Guard volunteers resulting from a decision of management of the Irish Coast Guard to stop volunteers using blue lights and sirens while responding to rescue calls; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that such a measure could result in delays in responding to life and death situations; if he will intervene to examine if this decision can be reversed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10523/19]
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. 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.
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