Vol. 520 No. 4
49 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if, in the aftermath of the tragic deaths of four Air Corps crew on a search and rescue mission last year, he will introduce regulations to control the operations of leisure boats in sea/fresh water. [15876/00]
51 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the proposals the Government has for the introduction of regulations to ensure that leisure craft control is regulated so as to make the wearing of life jackets and the carrying of radio, radar and flares compulsory on all water leisure craft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15987/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 51 together.
On the issue of safety on leisure craft, as the Deputies are aware, the Action Group on Small Powered Recreational Craft – including personal watercraft – recently presented me with its final report. This report made a number of recommendations including some in respect to the carriage and use of lifejackets, carriage of safety equipment and consumption of alcohol. On the basis of this, I am currently proposing the introduction of a legislative framework for the regulation of recreational craft. This is being achieved through amendments to the Merchant Shipping Act, 1992, which are included in the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Bill, 1999. The Bill passed the Dáil Report and Final Stages on 24 May 2000 and Second Stage in the Seanad is scheduled for 8 June 2000.
The Bill foresees the implementation of regulations to take account not only the safety of the passengers and occupants of the vessels in question but also the safety of other persons resulting from the use of the vessels and any disturbance or nuisance caused by their usage.
Following on the enactment of this piece of legislation, I hope to quickly introduce implementing regulations based on the recommendations of the action group's final report. I consider that these regulations, allied to the recently launched Year 2000 Safety on the Water campaign, will contribute to an increase in safety in the water-based leisure sector and a resultant decrease in the emergency calls received by the emergency services in future.
