I propose to take Questions Nos. 979, 980, 981, 982, 983, 984, 985, 986 and 987 together.
As I indicated to the Deputy in my reply of 25 October last to a series of questions raised by him, a large number of specific safety recommendations arose from the review of the circumstances of the tragic canoeing accident at Dunmore East in which two lives were lost.
I also explained on that occasion the steps which were being taken to implement those recommendations. I noted, however, that implementation would be on a voluntary basis in close co-operation with all concerned. This was and remains in keeping with current policy, which considers that the most effective approach to water leisure activity to be through self-regulation by the various governing bodies.
I would like to avail of this opportunity to advise the Deputy of a number of initiatives that have been taken in relation to safety in the marine leisure industry. I have taken up with my colleague in the Department of Education, which is responsible for sport in general, the question of the regulation of all adventure sports with particular reference to the monitoring and control of adventure centres which provide facilities for young people. Canoeing is only one of a wide spectrum of activity sports which encompasses such diverse activities as horse-riding, archery, rock-climbing and scuba-diving and I am sure the Deputy will agree that there needs to be a co-ordinated approach towards ensuring greater safety in all these areas.