asked the Minister for Transport and Power what arrangements are in existence to ensure that foreign-registered ships docking at Irish ports comply with international standards.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foreign Registered Ships.
15.
Foreign-registered ships docking at Irish ports are required to comply with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1960, and the International Load Line Convention, 1966, which prescribe stringent safety standards for ships.
On each visit, the various certificates prescribed by the Conventions must be produced, as evidence of compliance with the Convention requirements. Authorised officers of my Department have powers of inspection, and failure either to produce a prescribed certificate or to meet Convention requirements, renders a ship liable to detention.
Am I to understand, when the Parliamentary Secretary talks about international standards and when I ask about international standards, that the examination which takes place includes the question of proper wage rates and working conditions of seamen on the ships concerned?
That is covered in my reply.
If so, will the Parliamentary Secretary explain why the SS Universe Ireland works under a flag of convenience which is not recognised by international standards?
That could not possibly arise out of the question. I have no information about the SS Universe Ireland.
The SS Universe Ireland is working under a flag of convenience which is not recognised by European or international standards.
This is Question No. 15.
I had another Question down but it was disallowed and so I got this in now. All your fiddles have been exposed.