Michael Ring
Question:323 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will meet with the Belmullet Sea Angling Club as a matter of urgency in relation to the Merchant Shipping Act. [4606/03]
Vol. 561 No. 4
323 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will meet with the Belmullet Sea Angling Club as a matter of urgency in relation to the Merchant Shipping Act. [4606/03]
I met with the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers (IFSA) on Tuesday 3rd December 2002 to discuss the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Boat) Regulations which came into force on 1 January 2003. This meeting was attended by a member of the Belmullet Sea Angling Club representing the Connacht Provincial Council of the IFSA.
I appreciate the concerns of the Belmullet Sea Angling Club regarding the possible effects the new regulations may have on sea angling festivals and competitions, particularly where there may be difficulties in bringing old fishing vessels up to the required safety standard. However, as Minister, my primary concern is to enhance safety at sea and on inland waterways. While sea angling festivals are of importance in tourism terms we cannot build our tourism industry on poor safety regime. There is a long-term benefit to the tourism industry in being able to demonstrate that the highest safety standards are adhered to in sea angling and I would urge sea angling clubs and festival organisers to avail of the boats that are already licensed.
To facilitate boat owners affected by the new regulations my Department held five information seminars at different locations around the country last October. Furthermore, in response to a request from the Connacht provincial council of the IFSA, an additional seminar will be held in Mayo next month and officials of the maritime safety directorate of my Department will be in contact with the IFSA shortly to finalise arrangements.