Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 October 2023
167. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport if the review of the Irish Coast Guard in its deliberations formally meets with all serving volunteers of IRCG who wish to engage with the review in order to for it to gain the most wide range view points on the roll operation and well-being of IRCG; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43266/23]
View answerMy Department is committed to ensuring that the Irish Coast Guard service remains fully capable and equipped to meet current and future challenges. We now have a new appointment at Assistant Secretary level to lead this vital service.
The new Assistant Secretary is a member of the Department of Transport’s Management Board and as part of her role she will oversee a review across all aspects of the Coast Guard Service. This is the first time that an appointment has been made at Assistant Secretary level to lead the IRCG and the main areas of responsibility include:
• setting the strategic direction on what will save the most lives, including improving safety on the water for all citizens and delivering excellent customer service, working effectively with a wide range of stakeholders;
• leading and managing the Coast Guard function, across a range of administrative, professional and technical functions, grades and volunteers;
• providing excellence in corporate leadership and fostering positive leadership practices at every level in the service in order to execute strategy effectively; and
• driving and delivering a transformation programme of the IRCG, following a review across all aspects of the Coast Guard Service including strategy, structure, roles, culture and governance, to ensure that the IRCG is best placed to succeed in the 21st century.
An extensive engagement programme with volunteers and staff, including an independent review of the role of the volunteer, will be undertaken to inform and guide this work.
