Michael Ring
Question:35 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine if he will consider not implementing the new Load Line Regulations in 1996, as these regulations will have serious consequences for the tourism industry in Ireland. [9184/95]
Written Answers. - Load Line Regulations.
Batt O'Keeffe
Question:39 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for the Marine if he has reached agreement on the proposed regulations under section 19 of the Merchants Shipping Act, 1992. [9627/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 39 together.
In May 1994 the Department signalled its intention to introduce new regulations governing the safety of sea angling boats. It is intended that the regulations which will apply to all sea angling boats carrying sea anglers for reward will be introduced with effect from 1 January 1996.
At present the operation of sea angling boats which do not travel more than three miles from land and which do not carry more than 12 passengers is covered by safety guidelines issued by the Department of the Marine. Those boats which carry more than 12 passengers or which travel more than three miles from land must have a Loadline Exemption Certificate which sets down conditions under which a vessel may operate. An angling boat will only be granted a Certificate if it has been surveyed by a Marine Surveyor from the Department. There is agreement among all representative bodies on the need for a statutory basis to regulate the safety of all angling boats.
The new regulations will cover such matters as stability and freeboard, construction and maintenance, life-saving applicances and fire-fighting equipment, etc.
The introduction of these regulations has been the subject of ongoing consultation between the Department of the Marine and sea angling representative bodies over the past 12 months. I am aware that the Irish Federation of Sea Anglers has expressed concern about the likely implications of some of the proposed safety requirements for its sea angling competitions.
While I appreciate the importance of these competitions for the tourism industry, and would not wish to see them cancelled because of the introduction of the new regulations, my paramount concern is for the safety of sea anglers. I must ensure that all boats being used in these competitions meet the highest standards of safety. The Irish Federation of Sea Anglers have put certain proposals to the Department whereby small boats would be exempted from some of the provisions of the new regulations for the duration of competitions provided alternative equivalent safety measures were in place.
The Federation's proposals are being examined in detail at present, and the Department will be in contact with the Federation and the other representative bodies in the coming weeks. I want to assure the House that the Department will do its utmost to ensure that the sea angling competitions go ahead in 1996.