Vol. 543 No. 2
172 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on the points raised by the International Transport Workers Federation (details supplied) in relation to legislative proposals involving the use of flags of convenience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26590/01]
I have noted the points raised by the International Transport Workers Federation in the correspondence referred to by the Deputy. I have responsibilities in relation to the Irish Ship Register; the operation of other ship registers is governed by applicable national and international law.
My Department is currently actively addressing the strategic and operational aspects of delivery of its maritime safety regulatory services, including port state control. A detailed review of the services was commissioned in 1999 and the main recommendations of the report of the review, which was completed in October 2000, are now being implemented. The new Maritime Safety Directorate will be operational early next year and an additional ten vessel surveyors are currently being recruited to the Marine Survey Office which will form an integral part of the new directorate.
