Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
283 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the position in regard to the new independent agency for marine and water safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8435/04]
View answerAs I informed the House in my reply on 11 November 2003, my officials have been engaged in the detailed preparatory work necessary to finalise proposals for the establishment of a new independent safety agency to take responsibility for all aspects of marine safety and emergency response. The ongoing work entails a detailed examination of all existing legislative provisions relating to maritime safety and the marine environment, essential in defining the functions of the new agency. The agency will, among other things, bring together safety services currently provided by the Irish Coast Guard and the maritime safety directorate of my Department. Drafting of heads of a Bill and a memorandum for Government are well advanced and it remains my objective to bring the proposal formally to Government as quickly as possible to get the agency up and running without delay.
