A Donegal TD says giving the Coast Guard the same legal standing as organisations such as An Garda Siochana, the ambulance service and the fire service, would make it easier to get badly needed funding.
Charlie McConalogue says a new Bill from Fianna Fail would place the Coast Guard on the same footing as other emergency services, giving it the representation, recognition and protection it deserves.
Coast Guard units are located all around the coast; one of its Marine Rescue Centres is based at Malin Head in County Donegal while one of its helicopters is based at Sligo Airport, at Strandhill.
Deputy McConalogue says getting necessary funding and investment is vital for the Coast Guard:
