Written Answers. - Fishing Vessel Safety.
Cecilia Keaveney
Question:
274
Cecilia Keaveney
asked the
Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources
the recommendations, if any, of the fishing vessel safety review group that have been implemented to date in 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2126/98]
The year to date has seen continued progress with regard to the implementation of the recommendations of the fishing vessel safety review group. I can report that there has been ongoing implementation of the review group's objectives in specific areas and developments have also taken place to facilitate the implementation of further recommendations of the group.
Safety training, which is vital to protect the lives of fishermen in the event of an accident at sea, has continued to be provided in an accessible manner through BIM's two mobile training units in response to demand at various locations around the coast.
Having regard to onshore marine radio communications, the Department has initiated EU procurement procedures for VHF digital selective calling equipment which it is proposed to install at Irish Marine Emergency Service coast radio stations. A notice of the Department's intention to purchase this equipment, which will significantly upgrade our radio communications network, has been sent to the EU Commission for publication in the Official Journal for the benefit of potential suppliers in other member states.
The Department is continuing to put in place the necessary administrative and technical resources to facilitate the introduction of comprehensive safety regulations for fishing vessels and their crews, as recommended by the review group. I am, in this regard, pleased to advise that two additional marine surveyors have been appointed so far this year, with a third to be appointed shortly, and the recruitment of an additional marine radio surveyor is also under way. These surveyors will provide the vital technical input required in the drafting of the safety regulations and they will also be involved in their subsequent enforcement through the carrying out of regular inspections.
There has also been further progress with regard to the Department's drive to highlight safety issues of particular relevance to fishermen. The safety awareness campaign has gained increased momentum through the publication this year of a booklet on man overboard procedures for fishing vessels, copies of which are currently being made available to the skippers of all fishing vessels on the register. In addition, guidelines on emergency procedures for fishing vessels have recently been approved by the Department's marine safety working group and it is intended to shortly publish a booklet on this subject for distribution to the fishing industry.
Under the Operational Programme for Fisheries, 1994-99, funding has been provided for the renewal and modernisation of the fishing fleet and some 243 modernisation projects have been approved since the beginning of the programme involving over £7 million in grant aid. The investment in modernisation of the fishing fleet is contributing to the objectives of improving the quality, efficiency and safety of the fleet.
In line with the Government's An Action Programme for the Millennium, I am working on new proposals to modernise the whitefish fleet. These proposals include a plan for a capital grant aid scheme for a number of new whitefish boats. I am also examining the scope for provision of fiscal incentives to facilitate and attract investment in the fleet.
