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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 23 Oct 2003

Vol. 573 No. 2

Written Answers. - Minimum Pay Legislation.

Dan Boyle

Question:

125 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the measures he intends to take to stop Irish based shipping companies from using flags of convenience to avoid having to meet Irish minimum pay legislation for the workers on their ships. [24718/03]

I have no statutory function in relation to seafarers' wages.

Vessels using Irish ports are inspected regularly by the marine survey office of my Department in the exercise of Ireland's port state control obligations. These inspections are aimed at ensuring that such vessels are maintained and operated in compliance with international safety standards laid down by the International Maritime Organisation, IMO, and, in relation to seafarers' social conditions, by the International Labour Organisation's, ILO, maritime conventions, together with relevant EU initiatives in the maritime area. The inspections carried out under these conventions may include checking to see if a contract of employment exists, as required by the ILO. The ILO requirements do not extend to the inspection of wage levels on vessels.
Irish officials participate in IMO and ILO discussions on seafarers welfare, supporting proposals aimed at improving seafarers terms and conditions of employment. Irish officials will continue to support efforts in all appropriate fora to enhance working conditions for seafarers, and my Department will continue to enforce maritime safety and operational standards through the port state control framework.
The Government is committed to furthering the growth of the Irish ship register, with a view to increasing Irish seafarer employment and the expansion of onshore maritime sector business. Last July the Government approved the drafting of new ship registration legislation to replace the Mercantile Marine Act 1955. The new legislation, when it comes into force, will greatly increase the attractiveness of the Irish ship register for Irish based ship operators.
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