Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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183. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of members that will be active in the Doolin unit of the Irish Coast Guard for it to be put back on the board and operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55556/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The Doolin Coast Guard unit is currently off the board for operational reasons and safety concerns due to internal issues within the unit. Doolin Coast Guard unit is a four function unit – search, cliff, boat and drone. The eventual return of the unit to operation is not solely based on numbers. There are a minimum number of personnel required for the various functions and an on-going requirement for individual certification and operational crews across all functions. On return to full operation status training will resume both on an individual basis and as a unit and a review of competencies and qualifications will be undertaken at that point for each of the four functions.

The key objective is to ensure the safety of the volunteers. The action is being taken in compliance with the SAR Assurance obligations set out in the National SAR Plan. In the meantime, the Coast Guard is deploying various contingencies based on an assessment of risk. All other Coast Guard Units, shoreline and cliff rescue services remain in place, along with the 4 Search and Rescue Coast Guard helicopters. The RNLI, Community Rescue Boats, and Naval services will continue to assist particularly in those areas of greatest risk until the issue has been resolved.

The Irish Coast Guard is committed to supporting the near 900 dedicated volunteers who help provide the important and life-saving services of the IRCG. Ongoing consultation with the Coast Guard volunteers is key to the success of the Coast Guard. For this reason, Coast Guard volunteers have for some time had a representative body called the Coastal Unit Advisory Group. This Group represents Irish Coast Guard volunteers and provides advice and input to the Coast Guard under agreed terms of reference between management and the volunteers. This Group meets regularly and are involved in working with Coast Guard management to deliver a world class service while protecting the safety and wellbeing of the volunteers within the Coast Guard units.

I have met with the Group recently and will continue to engage with all volunteers.

The Irish Coast Guard will continue to offer support to all those affected by this event, and with the aim to strengthen the unit’s management structure, provide relevant training and mediation services as may be required, and return the unit to operational readiness as quickly as practical.

Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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184. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the steps that have been taken by his Department to expedite the training of partially trained and incoming members to the Doolin unit of the Irish Coast Guard in order that the unit can recommence its operations as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55557/21]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The temporary standing down of Doolin Coast Guard Unit operations is a proportionate response having regard to ongoing attempts to address the unfortunate differences that have existed within the unit and their impact on the unit. Equally, the recent resignations of several Doolin Coast Guard volunteers have contributed to this decision.

The key objective is to ensure the safety of the volunteers. The action is being taken in compliance with the SAR Assurance obligations set out in the National SAR Plan. In the meantime, the Coast Guard is deploying various contingencies based on an assessment of risk. All other Coast Guard Units, shoreline and cliff rescue services remain in place, along with the 4 Search and Rescue Coast Guard helicopters. The RNLI, Community Rescue Boats, and Naval services will continue to assist particularly in those areas of greatest risk until the issue has been resolved.

The Irish Coast Guard is committed to supporting the near 900 dedicated volunteers who help provide the important and life-saving services of the IRCG. Ongoing consultation with the Coast Guard volunteers is key to the success of the Coast Guard. For this reason, Coast Guard volunteers have for some time had a representative body called the Coastal Unit Advisory Group. This Group represents Irish Coast Guard volunteers and provides advice and input to the Coast Guard under agreed terms of reference between management and the volunteers. This Group meets regularly and are involved in working with Coast Guard management to deliver a world class service while protecting the safety and wellbeing of the volunteers within the Coast Guard units.

I have met with the Group above recently and will continue to engage with all volunteers.

The Irish Coast Guard will continue to offer support to all those affected by this event, and with the aim to strengthen the unit’s management structure, provide relevant training and mediation services as may be required, and return the unit to operational readiness as quickly as practical.