Helen Keogh
Question:41 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for the Marine if he has satisfied himself with the present Search and Rescue Service on the west coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14979/95]
Written Answers. - Search and Rescue Service.
Mary Harney
Question:47 Miss Harney asked the Minister for the Marine if he has satisfied himself with the present Search and Rescue Service on the west coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14978/95]
Michael McDowell
Question:60 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Minister for the Marine if he has satisfied himself with the present Search and Rescue Service on the west coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14977/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 47 and 60 together.
I am satisfied with the current deployment of 24 hour search and rescue facilities along the west coast which is in line with the recommendations of the Doherty Review Group on Air/Sea Rescue Services.
In co-ordinating Marine Emergency Management for the west coast and elsewhere the Irish Marine Emergency Service draws on the many 24 hour declared facilities including co-ordination and marine radio communications network, helicopters, coast and cliff rescue service units, the many purpose-built lifeboats operated by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and units of the community inshore rescue service.
The Irish Marine Emergency Service keeps the disposition of all these services under continuous review, in consultation with the other bodies involved, with the objective of optimising their use within the general search and rescue structure. This ensures full compliance with our national and international obligations.