Vol. 568 No. 2
103 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in regard to the announcement by him on 29 May 2003 of increased safety spot-checks on passenger boats in the summer, additional staff or resources have been allocated for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15921/03]
My Department has an ongoing safety programme involving an appropriate combination of statutory regulation, enforcement and safety awareness promotion with the aim of achieving the highest level of safety at sea and on inland waters. As part of that programme I announced on 29 May 2003 that my Department would carry out a campaign of operational safety inspections on passenger ships and boats this summer.
The maritime safety directorate, which is an integral part of my Department, was established in February 2002 to create an efficient, effective, and fully co-ordinated service ensuring that safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment receives top priority. Nine additional vessel surveyors were appointed to the maritime safety directorate during 2002. These additional resources have enabled the directorate to assign surveyor personnel to carry out the operational inspections on passenger boats and domestic passenger ships which I announced on 29 May. The Garda Síochána continue to remain the primary enforcement agency for maritime safety legislation.
