asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will set up a life saving service team around the coast in view of the fact that the Royal National Lifeboat Institution may cease operations.

I am not aware that it is the intention of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution to cease operations. In addition to the service provided by the institution, which includes 15 lifeboats and two inshore rescue boats in the State, the Coast Life Saving Service of my Department maintains 54 stations around our coasts.

In the event of the lifeboat service being discontinued, are there any alternative proposals to meet the position that would then arise?

We understand from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution that there is no question of their ceasing operations and they are not even able to offer any conjecture as to what basis there could be for the suggestion. So that the question is not an urgent one.

The Minister is perfectly satisfied that the RNLI will not cease operations here?

I am, yes.