Vol. 509 No. 5
24 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the plans, if any, he has to introduce legislation or regulations regarding the safety of the public using pleasure or other boats following the tragic accident at Dunany, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19901/99]
As Minister of State at the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, I am conscious of the widespread concerns now being expressed by many people about the safe use of recreational craft for personal purposes.
Arising out of these concerns, and especially in the light of a number of recent serious accidents, and fatalities, involving jet skis and fast craft, I took the initiative to establish a broadly representative action group to address this important matter. Furthermore, following the recent tragedy off Dunany Point, County Louth, where four persons, including two children, tragically lost their lives, I secured Cabinet approval to include drawing up a safety policy for small powered leisure craft within the terms of reference of the action group.
In setting up this action group, my central aim is to put in place policies and practical measures to protect the safety of all water users in the context of a comprehensive safety regime for recreational craft generally. My basic aim in relation to fast water craft and jet skis is to stop irresponsible behaviour by a small number of users, to protect the safety of other water users and to end the severe nuisance and distress being caused in certain locations and in traditional bathing, boating and angling areas. I have asked the action group to carry out a comprehensive review of the safe use of personal recreational water craft and to consider measures which will be effective, sensible and enforceable and will be instrumental in introducing a shift in the culture towards safety as the overriding consideration.
I have outlined to the group that I envisage a new safety regime imposing strict controls on fast water craft which would include requirement on training and operator competence testing, operator licences and craft registration.
Additional Information.As regards other recreational craft, I have urged the group to address, urgently and imaginatively, how we can ensure that children in particular are adequately safeguarded in the event of a vessel capsize or other accidents. The wearing of suitable lifejackets or buoyancy aids is of central importance as is the need to get the safety message across to such craft users, particularly in terms of competence in the use of such craft and an understanding of risk to themselves and others.
The action group, in its deliberations, will have particular regard to the Marine Institute's current study on safety policy in the marine leisure sector, the good work on zoning undertaken by a number of coastal local authorities, and best practice and ideas in place and being developed internationally to ensure that all water users can enjoy their activities in safety. In fact, only on Monday last, the Marine Institute held a seminar in Athlone on jet skis and fast pleasure craft which members of the action group attended and in which they played an active part. This seminar is the first stage of a full consultation process in which interested persons and organisations will have the opportunity to express their views and ideas to the group.
In view of the importance I attach to this subject, I have asked that the action group submit an interim report to me by mid-November 1999 and a final report not later than the end of February 2000. I assure the Deputy that I intend to move quickly on foot of the interim report to provide a comprehensive legislative framework to enable me enact any new regulations necessary to address identified problems. I will also act quickly on the recommendations of the action group's final report and bring forward any legislation which may be required as a matter of urgency.
I thank the Minister of State for his positive reply. I am sure he will join me and Members of the House in conveying our deepest sympathy to the members of my constituency, and my neighbours in County Louth, who lost their lives in this tragic accident. Will the Minister agree that people licensed to drive a car have to wear a safety belt, as do their passengers, and they cannot carry more people in a vehicle than that which is allowed by law. In this review and in accordance with the action group he has set up, will the Minister of State ensure that safeguards similar to those which apply to road traffic safety will be introduced in relation to the use of water craft and the number of people who can travel in these boats? Will he ensure that people will be compelled to adhere to these safeguards in relation to travel on water?
I join Deputy Bell in offering my deepest sympathy to the family concerned. All too often I have seen similar occurrences around the coast and to all the other families who have suffered in this way I offer my sympathy. Deputy Bell is right in that days which begin with the prospect of tremendous enjoyment sometimes end in tragedy. In fine summer weather, people who may not have much experience in this area are tempted to go to sea. I agree wholeheartedly with the Deputy's sentiments that anyone can hire a boat and put to sea, and while I do not want to be a spoilsport, I am conscious of tragedies which have occurred and the great sadness that is brought on many families. A competence certificate should be produced before a boat can be released. I appeal again, as I have done so often this year, to all of those who are involved either in selling or renting these boats to ensure that people who are purchasing or renting can handle such craft at sea. That is absolutely essential. I do not want to witness again what we have seen in the recent past.
Will the Minister of State indicate to the House when the report on this tragic accident will be available to the House? Will he further indicate, if possible, when he expects the recommendations of the action group will be before the Minister, and when action will be taken in relation to that report?
The answer to the first two questions is as soon as possible, and the answer to the other question is in the next few months. I intend that the recommendations will be brought before the House for discussion. If we have to apply regulations they will be applied.
