The General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs) of the UK and Ireland welcome the official response of the Minister to the report from Atkins consultants entitled "Assessment of the provision of marine aids to navigation around the United Kingdom and Ireland". The recommendations for increasing the synergy and cost-effectiveness of the GLAs raise interesting and challenging scenarios however the GLAs will endeavour to deliver. The GLAs believe that together they are capable of delivering the necessary efficiencies identified for them. They have recognised the merits in many of the recommendations contained within the Atkins Review published earlier this year and, under their own initiative, have already established a Joint Strategic Board (JSB) to look at how to take the recommendations forward. The JSB has determined a number of improvement objectives set against the 52 recommendations contained within the report that will deliver increased operational efficiencies across the three authorities. The GLAs have a proud record of reducing costs over many years, embracing technology whilst ensuring the safety needs of the mariner are always met and respecting the cost efficiency desires of the Light Dues payers. Sustained savings over recent years have demonstrated the effectiveness of the GLAs, particularly when matched against rises in the RPI and increased government spending in other areas. The Government’s intention to provide long term stability in the Light Dues regime is also to be welcomed. After more than 16 years of consistent reductions in Light Dues we are embarking on an exciting new era of eNavigation development. It is vital that we have the financial stability to engage in that process. Changes to the funding arrangements for the provision of aids to navigation in the Republic of Ireland are particularly challenging. The GLAs welcome this clear statement. Notes to Editors The General Lighthouse Authorities The General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs) of the United Kingdom and Ireland are Trinity House, the Northern Lighthouse Board and the Commissioners of Irish Lights. Together, they have the statutory responsibility for the provision of marine aids to navigation (AtoNs) around the British Isles. The GLAs operate in a “user pays” cost-recovery environment based on “Light Dues” charged on various classes of shipping calling at ports in the UK and Ireland. The UK Secretary of State for Transport sets the level of light dues to be charged. The GLAs’ joint mission is the delivery of a reliable, efficient and cost effective AtoN service for the benefit and safety of all mariners. Contacts/Further Information Trinity House Paul Howe paul.howe@thls.org 01255 245019 Northern Lighthouse Board Lorna Hunter lornahu@nlb.org.uk0131 473 3113 Commissioners of Irish Lights Robert McCabe r.mccabe@cil.ie01 271 5400 The respective websites of all three GLAs are as follows: Trinity House www.trinityhouse.co.ukNorthern Lighthouse Board www.nlb.org.ukCommissioners of Irish Lights www.cil.ie