Vol. 562 No. 1
352 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he plans to publish the result of the consultation process on the wearing of lifejackets; his plans with regard to the mandatory wearing and carrying of lifejackets, especially on small water craft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5330/03]
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, PFDs. 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 was 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. The directorate continued to receive detailed submissions on this subject up to the beginning of this month 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 regulatory change on the mandatory wearing and carrying of lifejackets as quickly as possible following this assessment of the public response.
