Written Answers Nos. 352-372
352. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Defence the number of days in 2025 on which at least one Naval Service vessel was unavailable for patrol due to crew shortages or maintenance issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12915/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Naval Service currently has a fleet of eight vessels. Four of the vessels are regularly deployed on Maritime Defence and Security Operations (MDSO). These four vessels consist of three P60 class vessels as well as the LÉ Aoibhinn (P71) with all four vessels conducting patrols on a rotation basis.
I am advised by the military authorities that during 2025, three scheduled Naval Service Patrol days were not completed as a result of a part failure on board a vessel which required repair, while there were zero days lost to crew shortages.
354. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Defence the total capital allocation for maritime surveillance and radar capability under the current National Development Plan; the stage reached in procurement; and the anticipated date for full operational capability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12917/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of my key priorities as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained and developed in line with the Government’s decision to move to Level of Ambition 2 (LOA2), as defined by the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF).
In support of this, the revised National Development Plan (NDP) allocation provides €1.7 billion in capital funding to Defence out to 2030. This represents an increase of €600 million (55%) on the previous baseline of €1.1 billion. For 2026, the Defence capital allocation has been increased by €66 million to €300 million.
Capital investment in Defence primarily supports the renewal, retention, and acquisition of major defence equipment and the development of defence infrastructure. This expenditure enhances and supports military capabilities and contributes to a more secure and resilient society.
Amongst its recommendations on capability development, the CODF recommended the development of a primary radar capability to ensure that Ireland can maintain a complete ‘Recognised Air Picture’, and that this should be an immediate and top priority. This is being progressed under the Military Radar Programme. There are three elements to this Programme: Land based Long Range Primary Radar; Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems, to include a Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capability; and Maritime (ship-borne) Radar.
This programme of work is ongoing and very good progress has been made. Towards the end of last year, the Preliminary Business Case for the Military Radar Programme was approved. This concluded that a Government-level approach with one country was the preferred option and, in line with this approach, my Department has commenced detailed negotiations with France on a potential agreement for the delivery of all capability requirements under the Programme.
Full delivery of the Programme will be complex; but has been prioritised with a target date of 2028 identified in the updated CODF Detailed Implementation Plan which I published last week. That being said, elements of this capability will be rolled out in phases, starting this year with a particular focus on Counter-UAS capabilities, with a view to full delivery being achieved by the end of 2028.
To supplement the Recognised Air Picture that will emerge from the Military Radar Programme, my Department is also making progress in enhancing the Recognised Maritime Picture. My Department announced in June 2025 that a contract had been awarded for sonar capability which will be used by the Naval Service to monitor subsea activities. This is another strand of work being progressed to identify any potential threats in our maritime domain. This is a complex project and a new capability, so work in training personnel and establishing the procedures and structures required within the Defence Forces has commenced, and will continue in the period up to the delivery and operationalisation of the system, with initial deliveries planned for 2027, in line with the commitment contained in the new Strategic Framework for the Transformation of the Defence Forces which I also published last week.
With these projects, the Defence Forces will have enhanced state of the art systems for conducting monitoring and surveillance activities in the air, on the surface and below the sea-surface.
355. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Defence the number of serving members of the Defence Forces based in Cork who have applied for discharge in each of the past three years; the primary reasons cited for leaving service; the measures being taken to address these issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12918/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra356. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of reports of scrambler motorcycle activity at a location (details supplied); the policy measures and legislative powers that will be considered in to support community safety and deter the illegal use of scrambler motorcycles in public spaces; whether his Department is engaged with An Garda Síochána or other relevant public bodies at a strategic level in relation to this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12212/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra441. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Transport if he is considering a ban on the use of scrambler motorbikes; if so, which type of vehicles he intends to include under these regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12826/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 356 and 441 together.
I intend to introduce regulations as a matter of urgency to further prohibit the use of scramblers in any public place and strengthen the existing enforcement powers that An Garda Síochána has in relation to the dangerous use of scramblers and powers of seizure.
Currently, under the Road Traffic Act 1961, mechanically propelled vehicles such as scramblers can only be legally driven on public roads if they are registered and have a registration plate. Most scramblers are designed for off-road use only and are unregistered, and are therefore illegal for use on the road. In the absence of registration, a vehicle cannot be taxed.
Exercising powers made by regulation under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1994, An Garda Síochána has the power to seize vehicles being driven on public roads that have not been taxed or lack insurance, or where the driver does not hold the relevant driving licence. Once seized, An Garda Síochána has the power to dispose of a seized vehicle six weeks after the date of detention, provided two weeks' notice of the intention to dispose is given.
Building on these pre-existing powers and provisions, the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 introduced three key measures to further tackle dangerous scrambler use:
• Under Section 5(k), dangerous driving has become an offence everywhere, not only in public places;
• Under Section 5(p), An Garda Síochána were granted new powers to seize scramblers being driven dangerously in any location;
• Under Section 11(b), there is a new power to provide in regulations for the prohibition or restriction of the uses of classes of vehicles in particular places.
These three provisions are a comprehensive package of measures and were commenced by Statutory Instrument 392/2023 on 28 July 2023. Since commencement, off-road scramblers are no longer just illegal for use in public places - it is illegal to drive them dangerously anywhere, even on private land. More importantly, An Garda Síochána has full powers to seize a scrambler being driven dangerously in any location, even where they have the reasonable belief that the vehicle will be driven dangerously, and they can enter the curtilage of a dwelling to retrieve a scrambler after the fact. These powers are being used. Since 2023, over 1,000 e-scooters, quad bikes and scramblers have been seized.
The Deputies may also wish to note that section 30 of the Road Traffic Act 2004 prohibits the supply of mechanically propelled vehicles, such as scramblers, to persons under the age of 16. Under this section, ‘supply’ includes sale, gifting or otherwise making the vehicle available to a person.
While the commencement of the third provision under the Road Traffic and Roads Act 2023 created regulation-making powers to restrict certain classes of vehicles, any such regulations will be incremental on the other restrictions outlined above and no regulations have yet been made.
On 4 February, the Cabinet approved the preparation of regulations to fully ban the use of scramblers in any public place. It is my intention that these regulations will close any cases where scrambler use may previously have been legal outside of appropriate off-road settings and bring additional legal clarity to the existing position that scramblers are banned for use on the road in almost all cases. My Department is working with the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel with a view to making these regulations within a matter of weeks. I also propose to impose greater financial penalties on seized vehicles to reduce the number that re-enter circulation.
357. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is currently monitoring US state flights which are stopping over at Shannon; and if there is awareness of deportation flights carrying refugees back to Palestine which are stopping over at Shannon [12438/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra387. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if his Department is aware of the number of flights through Shannon or other Irish airports known to have people deported from the US on board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12137/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra388. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport the measures his Department has within its power to ensure that the human rights of individuals on flights through Shannon or other Irish airports known to have people deported from the US are being adhered to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12138/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra389. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he will continue to permit companies (details supplied) to land at Irish airports, given that are known to carry people detained by ICE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12139/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra427. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to reports of ICE deportation flights refuelling at Shannon airport, including those deporting Palestinians to the West Bank; if he will commit to ending Ireland’s facilitation of such flights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12614/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 357, 387, 388, 389 and 427 together.
The Convention on International Civil Aviation signed at Chicago on 7 December 1944, and its associated annexes, established the framework for the operation of international civil aviation. Both Ireland and the United States are contracting parties to this Convention.
Article 5 of this Convention provides for the right of air operators of contracting parties to operate non-scheduled overflights and stops for non-traffic purposes (e.g., refuelling) in the territory of the other contracting parties.
This provision is provided for in Irish law in Article 3 of the Air Services Authorisation Order 1993.
Stops at Irish airports, by private and commercial charters, which are technical stops for non-traffic purposes (i.e. not picking up or setting down passengers), do not require prior authorisation from my Department.
My department had no prior knowledge of, nor has any information on, the flights referred to by the Deputies.
Ireland's responsibilities under International Human Rights conventions are a matter for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
358. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Transport his position on the regulation of urban horses and carriages; if he has concerns over the abuse of horses in urban areas; if he is aware of the misuse of horses and carriages on urban roads; and if he plans to reform the regulation of the use and maintenance of horses and carriages in Dublin. [12864/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department remains committed to progressing legislation that will replace the Dublin Carriage Act 1853 to ensure that the Dublin City Council is provided with an appropriate legal basis to regulate this area, and the Bill remains on the Government’s legislative programme.
The Government agreed, in December 2019, to develop a comprehensive General Scheme of a Bill to legislate in relation to Horse Drawn Carriages, in line with advice from the Attorney General to ensure that Dublin City Council is provided with an appropriate legal basis to regulate this area.
The Department of Transport undertook to consult directly with Dublin City Council in relation to the drafting of the Bill. This matter did not progress in 2020 as planned due to the need to reprioritise other work areas in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since then, some initial scoping work on the Bill has taken place, but work is at an early stage in terms of progressing the Bill due to other primary transport legislation being progressed currently.
The development of legislation of this nature, which involves the repeal of legislation which pre-dates the foundation of the State, is complex and technical. This is an issue which spans the responsibilities of several Departments and levels of government, as well as requiring consultations with several stakeholders. Targeted consultation with stakeholders is intended to take place in 2026.
It is important to note that other legislation is in place in relation to animal welfare matters which are dealt with by the Department for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013, people in possession of a protected animal, including horses, must ensure the animal is kept and treated in a manner that safeguards their health and welfare. Failure to do this is considered an offence under that Act.
Section 33 of the Control of Horses Act 1996 provides that An Garda Siochána may compel individuals in control of horses to obtain necessary attention from a veterinarian if the horse is in pain, distress, neglect or is severely injured, diseased or in need of veterinary attention. Failure to comply is an offence. I understand that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine also also intends to bring forward a Bill to modernise the Control of Horses Act 1996.
Furthermore, the drivers of all vehicles used on public roads, including horse-drawn carriages, are required to comply with road traffic legislation and to behave in a safe manner paying due care to other road users. The enforcement of such road traffic legislation is a matter for An Garda Síochána.
359. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport the amount that Iarnród Éireann spent on security services in 2025; the amount that is expected to be spent in 2026. [11602/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.
The query raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for Iarnród Éireann. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to the company for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
360. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if he will reopen the Navan to Drogheda railway line for commuters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11646/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility, together with Iarnród Éireann, for rail transport within the Greater Dublin Area.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issue raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.
361. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the last time a review was carried out of the penalty points system for road traffic offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11651/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA full review of the penalty point system was conducted by my Department, and scrutinised by the relevant Oireachtas committee, in 2012. A number of changes were made to penalty point legislation on foot of this review, including an increase in the number of points associated with certain offences.
The Road Traffic Act 2024 also made a number of changes to the penalty point system, including provision for a driver who is detected committing multiple penalty point offences in a single incident to now receive points for two of those offences, rather than one. These changes will be commenced as soon as the necessary technological and operational updates have been put in place.
362. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the last time a review was carried out of the appeal mechanism for the penalty points system for road traffic offences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11653/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister of State with responsibility for International & Road Transport, Logistics, Rail & Ports, I wish to advise that there is no specific statutory penalty points appeals procedure provided for in the Road Traffic Acts. On that basis, I cannot point the Deputy to any previous review as there is no appeals mechanism to review.
A driver can, in very limited and exceptional circumstances such as the theft of a vehicle, a verified detection error or a genuine medical emergency, apply to An Garda Síochána for the cancellation of a fixed charge and, by extension, any penalty points associated with that charge. A driver who cannot provide sufficient grounds for such a cancellation has the option of refusing to pay the fixed charge and arguing their case in the District Court.
My Department is of the view that the cancellation procedure and the option of going to court provide adequate recourse to drivers who feel they have been unfairly issued with penalty points, and does not consider the introduction of an additional statutory appeals mechanism to be necessary at this time.
363. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Transport the progress being made with regard to adjustment and increases in CIÉ pensions for retired CIÉ workers. [11657/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. As a commercial semi-state body, Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) are responsible for the provision of pension schemes for their employees.
Following on from the constructive and collaborative approach of the Trade Union Group and CIÉ management in reaching agreement on a pathway forward as of May 2025, my Department, alongside our financial and commercial advisors NewERA, are currently engaging with all relevant stakeholders. This includes CIÉ, the Pensions Authority and the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation on the next steps in progressing the agreement and bringing CIÉ pensions onto a more stable footing for the benefit of active, and retired scheme members, including review of the relevant statutory instruments and the matter of increases to pension payments.
My Department and all relevant stakeholders are endeavouring to achieve the same at the earliest, keeping in line with the appropriate procedures, compliance with all applicable requirements, and necessary approvals as part of the formal process, which is now underway.
364. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Transport his plans to review the residential noise insulation scheme at Dublin Airport, in light of the increased number of night time flights and the disruption noise from these flights is having on residents of local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11665/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to begin by assuring the Deputy that it is important to this Government in ensuring the sustainable development of Dublin Airport, to balance the legitimate rights of local residents who are concerned about noise levels at the airport, with the objectives of the National Aviation Policy, and the needs of business and tourism.
As the Residential Sound Insulation Grant Scheme falls within the remit of daa, I have forwarded your question to daa for direct response. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
365. Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Transport if the NTA plans to move the H1 bus terminal to Hawkins Street, Dublin 2. [11704/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. The NTA also has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including the provision of bus stops/shelters nationally.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
366. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport when he intends to bring forward legislation to provide the NTA with the statutory power to compel app-based dispatch operators (details supplied) to provide access to operational, algorithmic and job allocation data, given the upcoming NTA review of dispatch operator licensing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11715/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry is a matter for the independent transport regulator, the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the provisions of the Consolidated Taxi Regulation Acts 2013 and 2016. I have no role in the day-to-day operations of the SPSV sector.
Accordingly, I have referred your question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
367. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of delays in getting appointments for NCT checks in some centres, in some instances denying individuals the opportunity to continue to avail of a two-year check instead of a one-year check due to the age of the vehicle and the delay in getting the appropriate appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11780/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Road Safety Authority (RSA) has statutory responsibility for the National Car Testing (NCT) service under the Road Safety Authority Act 2006.
Under EU law, Ireland, like other Member States, is obliged to adhere to the minimum specified intervals for carrying out periodic roadworthiness inspections on motor vehicles and the NCT is operated in line with the requirements of EU Directive 2014/45/EU.
Private cars must undergo a roadworthiness test when they are four years old and every two years thereafter until their tenth anniversary. After that they are required to be tested annually, given the likelihood of deterioration linked to the vehicle's age. This is given effect in Irish law by means of the Road Traffic (National Car Test) Regulations 2017 (S.I. No. 415/2017), as amended.
As of mid-February 2026, the current national average wait time for an NCT is at 16.94 days. This increase is in line with normal seasonal trends, resulting from the disproportionate number of vehicles registered at the beginning of each year, and is expected to work its way through the system shortly.
Customers who are unable to secure a test date before their certification expiry date, can contact the NCT customer service directly by phone or through the website to request to be added to the priority waiting list. I understand that the majority of vehicle owners on the priority waiting list will be provided with an appointment within 30 days.
368. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Transport if the Dublin Airport residential noise insulation scheme will be extended to areas (details supplied), given that residents have reported an increased level of airport noise disturbance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11788/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want to begin by assuring the Deputy that it is important to this Government in ensuring the sustainable development of Dublin Airport, to balance the legitimate rights of local residents who are concerned about noise levels at the airport, with the objectives of the National Aviation Policy, and the needs of business and tourism.
As the Residential Sound Insulation Grant Scheme falls within the remit of daa, I have forwarded your question to daa for direct response. Please advise my private office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.
369. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the total level of Exchequer funding spent by his Department on funding NGOs, by organisation, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11807/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra370. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the total level of Exchequer funding spent on funding NGOs by his Department, in each of the years since 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11825/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra371. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding the assessments that are carried out to determine the level of Exchequer funding that any NGO receives from his Department on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11843/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra372. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Transport the position regarding any direct lobbying he has received from any NGO in relation to his annual funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11870/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 369, 370, 371 and 372 together.
Deputy,
Details of NGOs funded by The Department of Transport and the amounts provided since 2022 are presented in the table below:
|
Non-Governmental Organisations |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Variety Ireland – relates to their Recycle Mobility Programme |
|
|
150,000 |
150,000 |
|
Variety Ireland – installation of a disability child cycling hub on the Great Western Greenway. |
|
|
41,549 |
|
|
An Taisce (funded through NTA) - relates to Green Schools Travel and Safe Routes to School Programme |
2,081,374 |
2,061,898 |
2,536,224 |
2,367,970 |
|
CEGD funded An Taisce, through the NTA, for the delivery of a Bus in the City, a Public Engagement Pilot Initiative |
|
|
36,873 |
|
|
Mountain Rescue/Community Rescue Boats Maintenance Grants |
|
|
|
|
|
Donegal Mountain Rescue |
22,210 |
22,210 |
22,210 |
22,210 |
|
Dublin & Wicklow Mountain Rescue |
32,155 |
32,155 |
32,155 |
32,155 |
|
Galway Mountain Rescue |
18,130 |
18,130 |
18,130 |
18,130 |
|
Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue |
32,410 |
32,410 |
32,410 |
32,410 |
|
Irish Cave Rescue Organisation |
20,000 |
20,000 |
20,000 |
20,000 |
|
Kerry Mountain Rescue |
21,700 |
21,700 |
21,700 |
21,700 |
|
Mayo Mountain Rescue |
25,525 |
25,525 |
25,015 |
25,525 |
|
Search and Rescue Dog Association |
19,405 |
19,405 |
19,405 |
19,405 |
|
Sligo & Leitrim Mountain Rescue |
17,620 |
17,620 |
17,620 |
17,620 |
|
South Eastern Mountain Rescue Association |
20,935 |
20,935 |
20,935 |
20,935 |
|
Mountain Rescue Ireland |
20,000 |
20,000 |
90,000 |
127,426 |
|
Mountain Rescue Ireland (Development grant) |
60,000 |
60,000 |
20,000 |
20,000 |
|
Ballinskelligs Inshore Rescue |
5,075 |
5,075 |
5,075 |
5,075 |
|
Ballybunion Sea Rescue |
5,075 |
5,075 |
5,075 |
5,075 |
|
Banna Rescue |
5,075 |
5,075 |
5,075 |
5,075 |
|
Bantry Inshore Search and Rescue |
5,075 |
5,075 |
5,075 |
5,075 |
|
Bonmahon Community Rescue Boats |
5,075 |
5,075 |
5,075 |
5,075 |
|
Cahore Inshore Search and Rescue |
5,075 |
5,075 |
5,075 |
|
|
Corrib Mask Search and Rescue |
5,075 |
5,075 |
5,075 |
5,075 |
|
Derrynane Inshore Rescue |
5,075 |
5,075 |
5,075 |
5,075 |
|
Limerick Marine Search and Rescue |
5,075 |
5,075 |
5,075 |
5,075 |
|
Tramore Sea Rescue Association |
5,075 |
5,075 |
5,075 |
5,075 |
|
Waterford City River Rescue |
5,075 |
5,075 |
5,075 |
5,075 |
|
Community Rescue Boats Bantry One Off |
|
|
3,965 |
|
|
Community Rescue Boats Ballinskelligs One Off |
|
|
|
3,965 |
|
Community Rescue Boats Corrib Mask One Off |
|
|
|
3,965 |
|
Community Rescue Boats Waterford One Off |
|
|
|
3,965 |
|
CALSTART inc - Contribution to Support Global MOU on ZE-MHDVs |
|
|
|
44,780 |
|
Total |
2,447,289 |
2,427,813 |
3,164,016 |
3,002,911 |
With regards the Deputy's question concerning assessments that are carried out to determine the level of Exchequer funding that any NGO receives from my Departmen,t An Taisce funding consists of an annual grant of €1.65m for the administration of the Green Schools Travel Programme, and additional funding for the staff costs of the Safe Routes to School team in An Taisce. Funding submissions are received from Variety Ireland on an annual basis along with a report outlining the output of the previous year’s investment. Decisions on funding levels are made in the context of the overall active travel annual budget.
My Department, through the Irish Coast Guard, provides an annual grant payment to assist with current expenditure for Mountain Rescue Ireland, mountain rescue teams and the Irish Cave Rescue Organisation. The grant also provides funding to those members of Community Rescue Boats Ireland who are declared assets to the Irish Coast Guard and may be tasked by the Coast Guard to assist in the event of an emergency response. A review of the grant payable to Mountain Rescue Ireland and Mountain Rescue Units was carried out in 2018 and provided an uplift with effect from 2019. Mountain rescue teams are tasked by An Garda Síochána and frequently work alongside other Search and Rescue organisations in the course of training and response to emergencies.
On the matter of Lobbying the Irish Coast Guard regularly receives representation through various channels to provide additional funding to individual units. Funding is provided solely to assist with current expenditure and may be reviewed where supporting evidence provided and meets relevant criteria. Mountain rescue teams are tasked by An Garda Síochána and do not functionally operate under the Department of Transport. Water Safety Ireland, the body responsible for governance oversight of units operating as part of Community Rescue Boats Ireland, are currently undertaking an independent review that will include funding, training and regulatory alignment.
