Cecilia Keaveney
Question:109 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his plans to increase staff levels at the marine survey office as recommended in the 1996 report of the safety review group report. [29016/00]
Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.
I am glad to inform the Deputy that a major root and branch review of the strategic and operational aspects of the delivery of maritime safety regulatory services by the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources has been recently finalised by external consultants. The outcome of this assessment is being examined at the moment but it is clear that fundamental changes in structures are needed to meet the ever increasing demand for safety services including the safety requirements of the fishing sector. As one of the elements of the review, it is recommended that staffing levels will have to be increased further and this will be pursued as part of the implementation process. The number of surveyors at present is 17 compared to 13 in 1996.