Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 29 Jan 2003

Vol. 560 No. 1

Written Answers. - Marine Safety.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin

Question:

163 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. [1823/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

Last year a new maritime safety directorate was established within my Department to undertake the State's marine regulatory safety services. The directorate is committed to strengthening all aspects of safety at sea.

The maritime safety directorate published a consultation paper last November seeking views in respect of the adequacy of legislation regarding the carrying and wearing of life jackets or personal flotation devices. 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.

This paper is aimed at as wide an audience as possible in order that all interested parties can give their views on this important safety subject. The maritime safety directorate requested interested parties to respond by 31 December 2002 and I encouraged the widest possible participation in this consultation process.

I am delighted to state that over one hundred submissions have been received to date and that the directorate is continuing to receive detailed submissions on this subject which is a testament to the level of interest in this matter. The submissions are currently being assessed and I will bring forward proposals for any necessary legislative change as quickly as possible following this assessment of the public response.

As part of this review I have already undertaken a number of measures to improve safety in small watercraft, including bringing forward the date for implementation of new safety regulations applicable to passenger boats, including boats used for sea angling. The maritime safety directorate also organised seminars around the country to promote the new regulations and safety issues generally on passenger boats. In addition, the directorate is reviewing regulations applicable to passenger vessels, which carry over 12 passengers for reward, as well as preparing proposals to enhance the enforcement of safety regulations across the board in 2003.