David Cullinane claimed the 24-hour shifts were being recorded 'under Irish Aviation Authority approvals' under 'factoring' system. Photograph: Barry CroninIrish Coast Guard search and rescue crews are obliged to work 24-hour shifts that are being recorded as only 16.5 hours under rules being applied that are putting lives at risk, the Dáil has heard. Sinn Féin health spokesman David Cullinane claimed the safety of rescue crews is being compromised by shifts that breach European Union working time directives and European Court of Justice rulings. Mr Dillon said issues around working hours and shift patterns “are entirely a matter for the Irish Aviation Authority”. Mr Ahern claimed “it is about circumventing the annual limit of 2,000 working hours” and “fewer crew members are hired and those that are hired are being paid less per hour”.

Source: The Irish Times December 05, 2025 05:48 UTC