Vol. 557 No. 4
90 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he expects the review of safety measures on small watercraft announced by him on 13 August 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22346/02]
As part of my review of safety measures generally, which I announced on 13 August last, I have already decided to bring forward the implementation of the new passenger boat regulations to 1 January 2003. A number of seminars to support the early introduction of these new regulations have been held around the country.
The maritime safety directorate in my Department has also recently prepared a consultation paper on the wearing of life jackets or personal flotation devices on small watercraft and copies of this have been sent to interested parties. Advertisements are also being placed in national and trade papers seeking the views of the wider public on the issue. The consultation paper is seeking views in respect of the adequacy of legislation regarding the carrying and wearing of life jackets or personal flotation devices – PFDs – across the board. The directorate wishes, in particular, to ascertain the extent of public consensus in support of the statutory obligation to wear life jackets or PFDs on pleasure craft in a wider array of circumstances than is currently the case, including on all small open decked craft and on non-mechanically propelled craft.
The maritime safety directorate has requested interested parties to respond by 31 December 2002. I would encourage the widest possible participation in this consultation process and I will bring forward proposals for any necessary legislative change as quickly as possible following assessment of the public response.
In announcing my review of safety on small craft, I also indicated that the enforcement of regulations would be a key component and work is currently under way on this matter.
