Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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256. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to review the decision by which Irish Coast Guard vehicles will not be authorised to use blue warning lights and sirens when on recuse missions; the reason these were prohibited from use by the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10966/19]

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.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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257. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to put the Irish Coast Guard on a statutory basis in view of the important work it carries out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10967/19]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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On 15th 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.