Thomas P. Broughan
Question:66 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the role of the recently announced Maritime Safety Directorate within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9891/02]
Written Answers. - Marine Safety.
I announced recently the establishment of the Maritime Safety Directorate within my Department to undertake the State's marine regulatory safety services, including the co-ordination of all aspects of safety at sea. My decision followed an in-depth review of the safety services being provided. The role of the directorate in the area of marine safety is to prevent, as far as possible, the loss of life at sea by establishing and enforcing high safety standards and providing effective emergency response services. Through an appropriate combination of statutory regulation, and enforcement and safety awareness promotion, the directorate aims to achieve the highest level of safety at sea.
The new directorate incorporates the current functions of the Department's Marine Survey Office and its maritime safety and marine environment division. It will also include the safety functions in relation to leisure craft, jet skis and adventure centres at present dealt with by the marine leisure division. Furthermore, the newly appointed director general will also have overall responsibility for the Irish Coast Guard service to ensure that the planning and delivery of all safety services is undertaken in a fully integrated manner.
The Maritime Safety Directorate will create an efficient, effective and fully co-ordinated service ensuring that safety of life at sea and protection of the marine environment receives top priority within my Department.