Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
291 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will assist the 75 mostly European crew of a motor ferry (details supplied) operating out of Cork; and if he will give them the maximum advice, support and assistance. [8988/04]
View answerI have no statutory function in regard to seafarers' wages. Terms and conditions of employment in respect of the seafarers operating on board the super ferry is primarily the responsibility of the ship owners. The super ferry is not registered on the Irish ship register. Obligations on the ship's owners regarding maintenance, crewing standards and certification of those matters are appropriate to the flag state operating the ship's register, which in this instance is St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The primary concern of my Department is to ensure that all sea-going vessels operate in a safe manner and in compliance with all the relevant regulations and legislation. This is in accordance with the International Labour Organisation, ILO, Convention No. 147, article 4, which authorises port states to take measures necessary to rectify any conditions on board a vessel which are clearly hazardous to health. In this regard, the maritime safety directorate of my Department regularly inspects the super ferry under port state control and EU mandatory ro-ro vessel inspection procedures, to ensure that the vessel complies in every respect with international maritime safety requirements.
