Vol. 458 No. 8
188 Dr. Moffatt asked the Minister for the Marine if he will permit sea angling clubs to use the commercial fleet for boat competitions subject to these boats being equipped with VHF radios, flares, bilge pumps and angler life jackets. [17845/95]
There is agreement between the Department of the Marine and sea angling representative bodies on the need for statutory regulation of all commercial sea angling vessels. Consultations are ongoing between the Department and these bodies regarding the details of proposed statutory safety requirements for such vessels.
While most of the proposed safety requirements, (including VHF radio, flares, bilge pump and life jackets) have been agreed, practical difficulties exist in relation to early compliance with a small number of requirements by vessels used occasionally for sea angling festivals and competitions.
The Department is considering the possibility of accepting a range of alternative equivalent safety measures in lieu of these for vessels taking part in official competitions and festivals. I am confident that a mutually acceptable solution will be found without compromising safety standards for angling vessels.
