Bernard J. Durkan
Question:291 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the initiatives he proposes to take to ensure greater awareness of marine safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6503/03]
Written Answers - Marine Safety.
My Department has for a long time played a pro-active role in raising awareness on safety issues. Each year a safety awareness programme is undertaken in conjunction with a number of State agencies and other bodies. The marine safety working group, which comprises members of these agencies and bodies and is chaired by the coast guard, meets regularly throughout the year to co-ordinate efforts in this regard. It is envisaged that the maritime safety directorate, established last year, will build on these activities.
One of the strategic objectives of the Department's strategy statement for 2003-2005 is the continuous improvement of marine safety culture and awareness. To achieve this objective the directorate's business plan for 2003 has set targets including a safety awareness programme aimed at children and key risk groups, the establishment of a directorate website to provide the public with access to safety information and the development of a template for a consultation forum to facilitate debate on marine safety issues. These and other measures, such as reviewing the relationship between the directorate and other agencies and groups involved in safety awareness programmes, will be developed further over the remaining years of the strategy statement. The directorate has also recently organised a number of information seminars around the country promoting new passenger boat regulations and safety issues generally on passenger boats. The regulations came into effect on 1 January 2003.
Question No. 292 answered with Question No. 289.