asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport, if in view of the continuing automation of Irish lighthouses, he will now consider the setting up of a coast watching service so as to assist persons in distress at sea.

The Coast Life-Saving Service of my Department is available to maintain a coast watch, as occasion arises, in connection with actual or anticipated cases of distress at sea.

Is the Minister aware that the existing service is inadequate and has traditionally been supplemented by the voluntary activities of the men engaged in the lighthouse service, and that that contribution will now be removed as a result of the automation of the lighthouses? As there has been a call from many organisations for the provision of a comprehensive coast watching service, would he agree to the introduction of such a scheme?

I do not agree. I think the service is reasonable. As I said, the coast life-saving service has quite a number of people on a voluntary basis and who are not connected directly with the organisation but do duty when necessary. It would be difficult to pay for a year-round service which would only be utilised on rare occasions.

Is the Minister not aware that a similar service is operated in virtually every European coastal country and that there is a need for a 24-hour coast-watching service?

I have not had any complaints in relation to this matter.

A special watch is set up at night in bad weather by the coast life-saving service, which is one of the rescue agencies involved.