asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the increasing number of small pleasure boats being sold in Ireland and the inherent danger associated with water sports, he will consider making the wearing of lifejackets and buoyancy aids obligatory.
Written Answers . - Pleasure Boat Safety .
156.
: In the case of pleasure craft let for hire or used for carrying passengers for hire, local authorities have power to attach conditions to the licences issued for such craft. I recently requested local authorities to consider attaching conditions relating to the provision of water safety equipment, to such licences.
There is no statutory power to deal with other pleasure craft. However, the Irish Water Safety Association, which operates under the aegis of my Department, avails of every opportunity to promote the use of suitable personal floatation devices of the type mentioned by the Deputy. In addition the association is examining, in consultation with the various water sport bodies, the need for further safety measures.