Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
339. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Transport if his Department recognises that Irish Coast Guard volunteers are considered workers under health and safety and workplace policy frameworks while on duty, training, or active service; the way in which this status will interact with their access to union representation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6425/26]
View answerThe health and safety of volunteers is a fundamental priority of the Irish Coast Guard operations. Coast Guard Unit volunteers operate within a safety management system that is certified to the ISO 45001 standard, an internationally recognised framework for the effective management of occupational health and safety. The Irish Coast Guard maintains strong and ongoing engagement with the Coastal Unit Advisory Group (CUAG) in its representative role on matters affecting serving Coast Guard volunteers, including the development and continuous improvement of the safety management system.
