Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2004
709 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the recommendations his Department has issued to the Waterford Port Authority with regard to increased security measures at Passage East, County Waterford, under the new EU directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22521/04]
View answerNew security requirements, which take the form of the International Ship and Port Facility code, or ISPS code, to enhance maritime security worldwide on ships and at ship/port interface areas entered into force on July 1 2004.
In order to standardise arrangements across the European Union the requirements were codified into EU Regulation 725/2004. The code outlines mandatory security requirements for Governments, port facilities and shipping companies. My Department has overall responsibility for ensuring implementation of the measures for Irish vessels and the port facilities serving them.
The maritime safety directorate of my Department co-ordinates and supervises the implementation of the code and has advised all relevant parties, including the Waterford Port Company, of their obligations under the code. As the Deputy can appreciate, I cannot disclose any confidential information with regard to any aspect of individual ship or port security plans. Copies of the ISPS code, the EU regulation and a list of all compliant port facilities are on my Department's website www.dcmnr.ie
