asked the Minister for Transport and Power whether existing maritime legislation, notably the classification of ships based on a division of operation into home and foreign waters, is a retarding influence on the development of a strong home-based coastal fleet; and whether any consideration has been given to adopting the criteria of other European coastal states which are based on size and power of vessel in defining safety and warning standard.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Maritime Law.
20.
I am not so aware. The existing regulations in regard to plying limits are administered in as liberal a manner as possible, subject only to the essential requirements of marine safety. Moreover, ships engaged in the coastal trade are not subject to the higher standards of manning and safety equipment laid down for foreign-going vessels.
While I am aware that other countries have adopted criteria other than plying limits for regulating safety of shipping I have no reason to believe that such criteria imply standards of safety any less effective than those applied here.
As I indicated in reply to a question on the 20th April last, I have invited representatives of the shipowning and trade union interests concerned to let me have their views on the bringing up-to-date of the merchant shipping legislation covering such matters. Such prior consultation is necessary before legislation of this kind can be proceeded with. I am still awaiting the views of those concerned.