Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Nov 2003

Vol. 574 No. 1

Written Answers. - Law of the Sea.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

329 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he has taken initiatives at EU level or otherwise to improve the law of the sea with a view to providing greater protection for the environment through the enforcement of safety standards at sea, affecting oil tankers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26575/03]

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

I am very conscious of our extensive and vulnerable coastline. I am also aware of the potential for marine and environmental damage caused by pollution from oil and other hazardous substances.

Ireland plays a full role in the new European Maritime Safety Agency which held its first meeting in December 2002. One of its key objectives is to support member states in identifying ships that have the potential to cause pollution incidents and prevent them operating in EU waters.

I also announced that I will bring forward proposals to Government shortly for the establishment of a new independent agency with responsibility for all marine safety issues. The agency will have specific responsibility for pollution prevention and response. This measure will significantly strengthen Ireland's ability to prevent and deal with maritime disasters around our coastline in the future.

I have consistently supported measures to improve maritime safety and the protection of the marine environment including a number of key initiatives at EU level aimed at preventing maritime disasters like the Prestige incident off the coast of Spain in November 2002 and the Erika incident off France in 1999.

Earlier this year the EU Council of Ministers agreed to further accelerate the phasing out of single hull tankers from EU waters and to introduce a ban on the carriage of heavy grades of fuel oil in single hull tankers. This regulation came into force on 21 October. EU member states have requested the International Maritime Organisation to introduce similar arrangements to be applied internationally. At present a proposal by the Commission concerning sanctions for offences involving pollution of the marine environment is under consideration at EU official working group level.

Following thePrestige incident, Ireland along with Belgium, France, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom decided earlier this year to present the IMO with a joint request to designate certain maritime areas as a particularly sensitive sea area to strengthen its protection of particularly vulnerable areas. The PSSA request was considered by the Marine Environment Protection Committee in July. MEPC agreed in principle to the request for designation and referred the matter to an expert navigation committee for examination. This committee is expected to report to MEPC next year.

Legislation is continually under review at both EU and international level. Recently I enacted the Oil Pollution of the Sea (Civil Liability and Compensation) (Amendment) Act 2003 which updates our legislation on oil pollution compensation. I also have two further Bills before the Oireachtas that have been prepared to give effect to the terms of various international instruments on pollution prevention, liability and compensation for damage in connection with the carriage of hazardous and noxious substances by sea.

Last week I met Mme. de Palacio, EC Commissioner during her visit to Ireland. She informed me that the Commission expects to propose a thirdErika package of measures in May 2004. These measures will cover a wide range of issues including living and working conditions of seafarers, update of the Port State Control Directive, update of the Directive on Maritime Transport Management and Information System, regulation on the compliance with IMO flag state, regulation on the application of the Athens Protocol – passenger liability for all traffic, national and international – and a directive on maritime accident investigation

I am strongly committed to advancing these issues as far as possible during our forthcoming EU Presidency.