Jan O'Sullivan
Question:23 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he intends to proceed with the Lorcan C navigation mast at Loop Head, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24741/99]
Written Answers. - Maritime Sector.
As the Deputy is aware, Ireland along with five other states, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Norway, signed an international agreement in 1992 establishing the north-east Atlantic Loran-C network to provide a position fixing infrastructure for maritime navigation in the north-east Atlantic. To enhance the system's coverage and integrity, it was agreed that a station needed to be established at a westerly point in north-west Europe, preferably south-west Ireland. Following assessment of approximately 40 possible sites, Loop Head, County Clare was chosen on the grounds of providing maximum range and coverage, and minimum environmental impact.
Because of public concerns about the project, I gave an undertaking that a full and comprehensive consultation procedure involving local groups would occur. To this end, I met with local interest groups in 1998 and in light of the concerns expressed and with a view to progressing the project, two studies were initiated: the Commissioners of Irish Lights, would assess a small number of sites containing existing masts in the south and south-west, and; technical studies were initiated by CIL and my Department on a possible configuration of the project to determine whether a lower mast with reduced power was a feasible and acceptable option.
These studies are ongoing. They are intended to allow Ireland to meet its obligations under the international agreement, while at the same time, taking account of the need to minimise environmental impacts. The studies are complex, necessitating thorough technical analysis of options for delivering on Ireland's legal obligations. The Government remains committed to the international agreement which was endorsed by both Houses of the Oireachtas. It is also committed to a consultation process in respect of the studies mentioned above and any other consideration of the matter, which the Government may decide to initiate.
Emmet Stagg
Question:24 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the steps, if any, he is taking to facilitate the development of the mercantile marine sector in view of current economic growth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24731/99]
The development of our marine sector is highlighted in the Government's revised An Action Programme for the Millennium, published in November, 1999.
The programme gives unique recognition to the strategic importance of our shipping industry and commits to establishing a national maritime college, together with the Irish maritime development office and a national port users forum.
I have already delivered on the commitment to set up the maritime development office having published the new legislation to set that body up on a firm statutory basis. For the first time in the State's history the shipping industry and the onshore shipping services sector will have its own dedicated development office which will be fully funded and staffed.
The remit of the maritime development office will be both wide and far reaching. Under the terms of the new legislation it will promote and assist the development of Irish shipping and Irish shipping services; promote Ireland as a centre for ship registration; develop and implement a strategic framework for the shipping industry and its ancillary services sector; liaise with and support the shipping and shipping services industry; and advise on policy initiatives and on the overhaul of the fiscal and legislative framework for the mercantile marine in order to underpin industrial development and safeguard and generate employment.
My purpose in setting up the Irish maritime development office is not just to encourage the growth of the Irish merchant fleet, it is also to facilitate the growth in Ireland of a wide range of shipping related services; ship financing, manning, insurance, chartering, brokerage and maritime legal services. These will be based both on the development of existing Irish services and on the attraction of such services from abroad.
Very shortly I will put to Government, for implementation, a fully costed and developed plan for the new national maritime college. A new college, specifically focused on maritime education, will undoubtedly greatly increase the attractiveness of careers at sea and in the shore based maritime sector.
In terms of moving the industry forward, I am pursuing a structured and inclusive approach following consultations with all the representative bodies and interests in the shipping industry.
The Deputy will be aware that in recent years I have been able to secure a range of fiscal reliefs for both seafarers and their employers. The scheme to refund employers of seafarers the portion of the social insurance contribution they pay in respect of their seagoing employees, was extended this year for a further four years to 2004. The special £5,000 seafarers income tax allowance, introduced in 1998, has this year been extended to seafarers servicing our offshore sector in Irish waters and I am looking to boost this further to achieve more productivity and improve competitiveness.
I am continuing to press the case for incentives and fiscal measures beyond what is already in place in terms of corporation tax, income tax allowances for seafarers and PRSI refunds to employers. I will also consider the possibilities for modifying the existing reliefs to make them both more attractive and more effective.
I am keeping a close eye on the tonnage tax situation and especially developments on that front in the UK. This is also being factored in to ongoing discussions with the Department of Finance.
I will launch a video and brochure tomorrow to encourage our young people to take up careers at sea and pursue professional educational and training courses in the maritime area. I intend to have copies of the video placed with every career guidance teacher and available to interested students.
As we approach the millennium the Irish maritime sector is well positioned for the future and can capture real opportunities and generate new and sustainable jobs at home and abroad.