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Dáil Éireann - Volume 253 - 29 April, 1971 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Coastguard Service. Dr. Byrne Dr. Byrne 48. Dr. Byrne asked the Minister for Defence whether he intends to set up a comprehensive coastguard service in this country. Minister for Defence (Mr. Cronin) Gerry Cronin Minister for Defence (Mr. Cronin): As far as my Department is concerned there are no proposals to change the existing arrangements. Dr. Byrne Dr. Byrne Dr. Byrne: Would the Minister not consider, in the light of a recent sea tragedy, that a limited form of coastguard service would be very desirable even if it were to take the form of a week-end coastguard service operation staffed, say, by the FCA and Sluagh Mhuirí and staffed during the week by members of the Garda in conjunction with the Defence Forces? Mr. Cronin Mr. Cronin Mr. Cronin: A number of Departments would be involved in the provision of a comprehensive coastguard service. My Department is only one of them and so far we are satisfied that there is not a demand or justification for any change in the existing arrangements. Dr. Byrne Dr. Byrne 962 Dr. Byrne: Is the Minister aware [962] that we are, in fact, the only country in Europe that has no coastguard service? Mr. Cronin Mr. Cronin Mr. Cronin: This is a proposal that, as I have indicated, would have to be considered in conjunction with other Departments involved. Consideration has not been given to it so far. Dr. Byrne Dr. Byrne Dr. Byrne: Would the Minister investigate the possibility of having consultation with other Departments with a view to providing some form of coastguard service? Mr. Cronin Mr. Cronin Mr. Cronin: We can consider that. Dáil Éireann 253 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Coastguard Service. Questions 19710429
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