Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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226. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an outline of the way that procedures (details supplied) have been undertaken at the constituted Irish Coast Guard station at Doolin, County Clare. [22851/22]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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You will have been aware of the Doolin volunteer team being stood down due to concerns about the safety of its operation in the circumstances pertaining at the time. I am happy to confirm that the Unit has been re-constituted on an interim basis with a core group of volunteers who Coast Guard believe can work and operate together.

This follows extensive engagement by Coast Guard management with volunteers in Doolin, culminating in the appointment of Mr. Kieran Mulvey as mediator. Mr. Mulvey’s Report made a number of recommendations in respect of the service in Doolin.

 I can advise that the Coast Guard is currently fully engaged in the process of rebuilding the Doolin Unit, guided by the recommendations outlined in Mr. Mulvey’s Report which was issued on 10 December 2021.

The serving Doolin volunteers were advised by letter dated 16 December 2021 that the previous Unit had been stood down on a permanent basis, with all volunteer memberships terminated.  Mr. Mulvey advised that the Coast Guard and my Department should move with immediate effect to reconstitute the Doolin Unit and to reinstate those members of the Unit who management in the Coast Guard believe can work and operate together in a collegiate and co-operative manner.  The Report advised that the reconstituted Unit should be given sufficient time to develop a culture between them of mutual respect and trust. 

It was further recommended that, within a further period and when deemed appropriate, a further expansion of the Unit should be considered to build the Unit back up to full strength from local volunteers and preferably before next Summer.

I can confirm that the selection of volunteers to provide service to the re-constituted Unit on an interim basis as per the Report recommendations has been completed and those selected have been informed. 

I can now confirm that management within the Coast Guard have commenced the process of recruitment to the Doolin Unit on a permanent basis. Once the detailed arrangements for the process have been finalised, all Doolin current and former volunteers will be advised of those arrangements and the timeframes which will apply to the submission of applications.  I can also confirm they have recently been in contact with all former volunteers in relation to this recruitment process. 

My Department and the Coast Guard are fully engaged in this process and are very committed to ensuring Doolin Coast Guard Unit’s continued growth and renewal.