Vol. 511 No. 5
14 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will consult with the scout associations involved in sea scouting before drawing up new safety regulations in the marine leisure area; and if he will welcome written or oral submissions from sea scouts who have views on these matters. [24653/99]
In August I established an action group on small powered recreational craft, including personal water craft and jet skis. The group has recently presented me with its interim report and its final report is due by the end of February next. I have laid a copy of the report in the Oireachtas Library for reference. The action group solicited public submissions by way of an advertisement in the national press in September. I understand many submissions have been made. A series of three seminars have been held by the Marine Institute on the topics of jet skis, commercial and small pleasure craft in October and November. These were well attended and will be invaluable in informing the work of the action group and the Department's considerations of future options. I understand the Sea Scouting Association was represented by two members at the last seminar in Athlone on 17 November and that they actively participated in the discussions.
The work of the action group is intended to provide me with a final report which will include proposals for any necessary regulations and other measures needed to establish a best practice regime in Ireland. This will be only the first step and I recognise that this process can only be developed through full consultation with all relevant users. I am committed to a full partnership approach in this process and welcome any input or suggestion from any interested party. Any submission received by me from the scout associations involved in sea scouting will be brought to the attention of the action group.
I have read the interim report and the Minister's recent press statement in which it is stated that it will be compulsory for those under the age of 16 to wear a life jacket. I fully agree with this. All one need do is read the newspapers today to obtain a stark reminder. When is it intended to introduce the necessary regulations to enforce this requirement? Does the Minister agree it should be compulsory for all people at sea to wear life jackets?
That is an issue we will have to consider when we get the final report. As the Deputy may know, I was particularly anxious to begin to take statutory action, particularly in the case of young people. I agree with the Deputy that a person should not get into a boat without some form of buoyancy or a life jacket. The final report is due at the end of February. This has been a quick study. The interim report was published within six weeks. This has been an effective process and the final report will be produced at the end of February. We hope to bring forward legislation on those issues and have it passed before the summer. I may have to seek the Deputy's co-operation in that regard – because there is an urgency in regard to this matter.
