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Marine Safety.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 May 2006

Thursday, 4 May 2006

Questions (155)

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

153 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Transport if his Department will exempt vessels engaged solely in fishing near the coast from the IMO 1993 Torremolinos Protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16717/06]

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Written answers

It is mandatory for all EU countries under the EC Council Directive 97/70/EC of 11 December 1997 as amended, to implement the Torremolinos Protocol. The Directive lays down harmonised standards for seagoing fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and over. Regulations were put in place in 1998 to transpose the Directive into Irish law.

These Regulations apply to new fishing vessels over 24 metres built on or after 1 January 1999 and to existing vessels from 1 July 1999. Vessels complying with the Regulations are issued with a Certificate of Compliance valid for four years subject to annual and biannual intermediate surveys. The Regulations introduce a survey and certification regime for both new and existing vessels. There are no proposals to exempt fishing vessels over 24 metres from the provisions of the Torremolinos Protocol or the EU Directive when operating near to the coast.

The safety of the crews of fishing vessels is of paramount importance and therefore enhancement of fishing vessel safety standards is a key objective of my Department. The Maritime Safety Directorate of the Department has been working in partnership with the industry over many years to ensure compliance with safety provisions.

My Department is currently consulting stakeholders on proposed new rules for fishing vessels between 15 and 24 metres.

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