I have received correspondence about the Irish Coast Guard and the lack of legislation covering it. As a medic working on the west coast, I regularly liaise closely with the Irish Coast Guard and experience first-hand its members' bravery and commitment to serving the public while putting their own lives in danger. They face peril on every call out. Yesterday family members of missing people gathered in Farmleigh House to mark National Missing Persons Day. At the event the Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Deputy David Stanton, thanked members of An Garda Síochána for their work and continued support for those families whose loved ones were missing. He also said it was important to remember Irish Coast Guard volunteer Catriona Lucas who gave her life in the line of duty in September this year. She was the first volunteer member of the Irish Coast Guard to die in the course of duty and her tragic death brought home the true nature of the job. They really are unsung heroes. It is quite unbelievable, therefore, that their work as a primary response agency is not afforded protection under legislation. A few weeks ago when he addressed the House the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Shane Ross, said safety at sea was of vital importance to this island nation. I commend the Irish Coast Guard, the volunteers, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and all involved in ensuring safety at sea for their bravery, remarkable courage and heroism in the service of others. These salutations are well meant and placed, but they are not enough. More needs to be done to enshrine in law the duties, roles and rights of the Irish Coast Guard.