Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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174. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the make-up of the Coastal Unit Advisory Group, including the number of volunteers on the panel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21148/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Coast Guard Unit Advisory Group (CUAG) is the official representative group of the Coast Guard volunteers.

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 is 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.

The CUAG panel consists of:

i. Six volunteer officers in charge (OiCs) (one from each coastal sector)

ii. Six non-OiC volunteers (one from each coastal sector)

iii. Two full-time members of staff.

I am in regular contact with CUAG and I very much encourage the positive engagement and communications that are taking place with CUAG and Coast Guard Units around the coast in relation to their role and how best they can support their volunteers.