Simon Coveney
Question:98 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his strategy to promote water safety in the recreational area before the summer recess. [16021/03]
Vol. 568 No. 2
98 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his strategy to promote water safety in the recreational area before the summer recess. [16021/03]
Since taking office I have given safety on the water the highest priority. My overall objective is to develop a culture of safety in and around water to prevent the tragic accidents that we have seen in recent years. My strategy is to promote the use of vessels which are safe and carry appropriate life saving equipment and to encourage the public to learn about and abide by the safety rules. I am delivering on this strategy through a combination of having in place internationally benchmarked safety legislation applicable to all vessels using our waters, including inland waters, where safety rules are clear; through the provision of public education and awareness programmes, targeted in particular at persons using the water and young people, and utilising a combination of media approaches such as national and local radio campaigns, the distribution of safety information leaflets and a water safety promotion in schools; and a programme of enforcement of the safety legislation by my Department. This year I have put in place a range of new safety measures relating to small craft.
In September last I announced a review of safety on small water craft. A key element of this was the issuing by my Department of a consultation paper on the wearing of lifejackets. It is clear from the 114 responses received that the public support my objective of having everyone wearing a lifejacket in small open boats. On 30 May I announced that I will introduce a new safety code for life jackets and safety equipment on all leisure craft. The onus is being placed on boat and water craft owners and operators to ensure that everyone on board wears a lifejacket. I have already made it compulsory to carry lifejackets on all passenger vessels and spot checks will be undertaken to ensure this and other safety rules are complied with.