Vol. 535 No. 4
106 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his role in maritime and water based safety precautions and standards to try and avoid loss of life at sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12771/01]
120 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which he has used his influence to improve international safety standards in respect of all seagoing vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13026/01]
124 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that the highest safety standards prevail on all sea faring craft, both passenger carrying and goods vessels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13030/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 106, 120 and 124 together.
The role of my Department in the area of maritime safety is primarily to formulate policy and to introduce legislation to ensure that the highest national and international safety standards. In addition, my Department's marine safety working group has the responsibility of increasing awareness of water-based safety, mainly by the dissemination of safety guidelines to mariners and media safety campaigns.
As regards seagoing passenger and cargo vessels, my aim is to ensure that the appropriate regulatory framework is in place to ensure that all Irish registered vessels operating to and from Ireland and vessels using our ports are constructed, maintained and operated to the highest international safety standards, which are derived from the safety conventions of the International Maritime Organisation and from initiatives at EU level. I am pleased to say that Ireland is at the forefront in promoting improved safety standards for international shipping. My Department participates in the relevant International Maritime Organisation and EU committees, which develop new standards and legislation, and continually updates our maritime law to ensure that all the resulting EU directives and International Maritime Organisation safety conventions and resolutions are fully implemented.
The enforcement of all regulations is carried out by the marine survey office of my Department, which inspects vessels to ensure that they are complying with the safety standards laid down.
