asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport when it is proposed to ratify the 1974 Safety and Life at Sea Convention, already ratified by fifteen states in view of the fact that ten more ratifications are required for the convention to come into force.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Safety and Life at Sea Convention.
19.
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, has been ratified by the required number of countries with the required percentage of the gross tonnage of the world's merchant shipping to bring the convention into force. The convention will enter into force on 25 May 1980 which is 12 months after the date on which the requirements for entry into force were met.
The matter of preparing legislation to give the provisions of this Convention the force of law is receiving attention in my Department. I cannot state at this stage when I will be in a position to introduce this legislation.
Has Ireland signed this convention?
No.
Does the Minister consider it a little premature to be even talking about the possibility of introducing legislation?
I would have to introduce the legislation.
When does the Minister propose to have the Irish Government sign the convention or introduce the legislation?
There is not much point in signing it unless one has power to put the provisions into effect. We are doing what we can to prepare the legislation. It is a very difficult and technical matter. We are not unlimited in our resources unfortunately.
Will the Minister do it next year?
I cannot say that. Our resources are limited.
In regard to the limitation of resources which the Minister mentioned, and which I recognise, can he indicate if he proposes to take any action to increase the resources?
We have been trying to increase the resources but it is very difficult to get sufficient people with the kind of qualifications necessary.
I should like to assure the Minister of the support he would have from this side of the House in trying to do that. It is an area of real concern and we should like him to press ahead with it.
I have been doing that since I came into office.