asked the Minister for Transport and Power the penalties which may be imposed on seamen for breaches of discipline under the Merchant Shipping Acts.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Penalties on Seamen.
5.
The penalties which may be imposed on seamen for breaches of discipline under the Merchant Shipping Acts are set out in Part II, and section 680, of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, and in section 65 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1906.
Does the Minister not think that some of the penalties in these Acts are completely out of date and does he not consider that they should be amended?
In looking coldly at the various sections of the Act, it would seem that some parts are out of date but I have not received any representations from either the ship owners or the Irish Seamen's Union in the matter.
Surely the Minister will agree that the penalties of flogging and sailing before the mast should be abolished?
I would agree that some of the sections are out of date but the Acts are being recodified. The Deputy will bear in mind that the discipline of officers and men on board ship is greatly different from that required in other cases.
Do I take it that the Minister agrees with flogging?
The Deputy need not take that.
Mr. O'Leary
Will the Minister be willing to receive representations on this matter?
I will receive any representations necessary.
In view of the fact that the Minister considers some sections of this Act are out of date, should he not take the initiative to have them amended?
I do not think there is any need of that. Nobody is going to be flogged.
The public is being well flogged by the Government.
By the libellous and ludicrous statements of the Deputy.