The Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources has expressed concern at the level of hoax calls received by the Irish Marine Rescue Services last year despite the fact that the level of such calls was reduced from 53 in 1997.
Dr Woods yesterday said that, on average, the rescue services received one such call every nine days, including one on Christmas Day.
"Put bluntly, hoax calls can cost lives. People who make them display an appalling lack of concern for the safety of others and for the tremendous work of the services charged with saving and protecting life on our seas and coastline.
"It is absolutely contemptible that the men and women who staff our rescue services can be called away from their bases, risking their lives, and away from potential real emergencies because of stupid pranks."
Some 6,468 people were assisted or saved by the services in 1,559 incidents, Dr Woods said, and too many lives were lost because suitable precautions were not taken.