Vol. 392 No. 2
asked the Minister for the Marine the steps he is taking to stop the overloading of small passenger boats, especially in tourist areas; the steps he is taking to ensure that all safety requirements are complied with in regard to licensed boats; if he will consider reducing the passenger threshold for licensing small boats; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
46.
asked the Minister for the Marine the action he has taken following the recent tragedies involving the use of small boats and dinghies for transportation purposes between the islands and mainland; and if he will introduce specific compulsory requirements in the near future.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 46 together.
The Merchant Shipping Acts, which are administered by my Department, apply to vessels which carry more than 12 passengers to sea or on rivers, canals, lakes or estuaries. Such vessels are required to hold a valid passenger certificate and are subject to annual surveys conducted by marine surveyors of my Department. Random inspections are also carried out in order to ensure compliance with various rules and regulations relating to life-saving and fire appliances and other safety equipment.
Forty vessels now hold valid passenger certificates and steps have been taken to ensure that overloading does not occur on such vessels and that all vessels carrying more than 12 passengers hold valid certificates. First, regular publicity campaigns are launched in conjunction with the National Safety Council and in particular during the summer bank holiday weekends in order to warn the public of the dangers of travelling on board unlicensed or overloaded passenger vessels. Secondly, increased liaison has been effected with local gardaí who now maintain an active presence at piers and at other passenger boarding points in order to ensure the carriage of the required safety equipment and to prevent overloading. Finally, reported cases of overloading are vigorously pursued. In this year alone proceedings have been taken against the operators in 32 cases of reported overloading.
Vessels which carry 12 passengers or less are outside the scope of the Merchant Shipping Acts but may be licensed by local authorities under the Public Health Acts. However, the token level of fines under these Acts and the absence of any statutory safety requirements in respect of such vessels has resulted in the legislation being less than effective.
As Minister with overall responsibility for safety of life at sea, I am anxious to introduce new safety and certification requirements in respect of vessels carrying 12 or fewer passengers. I have, therefore, asked my officials to prepare the heads of a Bill which would bring the licensing and regulation of such vessels within the scope of the Merchant Shipping Acts. With the assistance of this House, I would hope to have the legislation in place before the 1990 summer season.
I thank the Minister for his reply and welcome what he said in relation to introducing legislation to bring operations with fewer than 12 passengers within the ambit of the Merchant Shipping Acts. This is the area about which I am particularly concerned. As the Minister is aware a number of accidents have occurred around the coast, particularly this summer, and there are no adequate facilities available to either the Minister or the local authority to take sanctions against these operators. I would ask the Minister to ensure that all boats are included under this legislation. It is imperative that all sorts of sea transport is licensed, as is the case with all types of road transport. That must be done because it is our only possibility of closely monitoring what is happening. Too many lives have been lost.
In relation to the existing licensed boats and spot checks that have been done, what is the nature of the defects found and what areas have not been complied with under the Acts in relation to this area?
Our checks cover a wide range, in particular to ensure that the operation is licensed, second, that the vessel is not overloaded and, third, that there is safety equipment.
I am anxious to deal with the remaining question, No. 47, in the name of the same Deputy.
