Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 3

Written Answers - Shipping Services.

Paul McGrath

Question:

80 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if the ship MV Venus operated by Swansea Cork ferries on the Cork to San Malo route to France is fully licensed by his Department and meets the safety standards set down; if he has been contacted by the French authorities to indicate their intentions to impound this ship when it next docks in San Malo; if his attention has been drawn to the importance of this ferry for live exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25821/99]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

The question of licensing vessels for the carriage of live cattle is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development and I have no functions in that regard.

The vessel in question does not require a licence from my Department as it is not registered in Ireland. However, to operate out of an Irish port it must satisfy my Department that it holds valid international safety certificates issued by the maritime administration in the country of its registration.

I understand the vessel in question has now been withdrawn from service on this route. The question of whether a particular shipping service shall operate or not is a matter entirely for the operators based on commercial considerations.