I move that this Bill be now read a Second Time. The House is aware that this Bill has already been passed by the Seanad in which it was introduced. Its purpose is to implement the 1948 international convention for the safety of life at sea. That convention was signed in 1948 by the delegates of the Irish Government and came into force last month. All shipping and labour interests in the State were fully consulted before the conference in 1948, and were again consulted during the preparation of the Bill. This is an agreed measure so far as the industry is concerned.
I assume that the Dáil will not require me to give a close analysis of its provisions which are very technical in character. The Bill, as those who have read it will know, is mainly an enabling Bill. The Orders which may be made under it can be annulled by the Oireachtas. I have given an assurance to the industry that, if these Orders should at any time go beyond the strict requirements of the convention, they will not be made without full consultation with the ship-owners and traders concerned.