asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he has any proposals to establish a system of monitoring shipping in the Irish Sea.
Written Answers. - Shipping Monitoring System.
467.
Any effective system of monitoring the movement of vessels on the high seas would require a wide measure of international agreement and co-operation. The Inter-governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation (IMCO), of which Ireland is a member, already has in operation a world-wide system of one-way traffic lanes for shipping in congested areas. These include, in the case of Ireland, the sea area adjacent to the Tusker Rock. Ireland is a party to the 1972 collision regulations drawn up by IMCO. These regulations in effect constitute "rules of the road" for vessels at sea.
While the question of introducing a system of comprehensive monitoring of large tankers has been mooted, there has to date been no general agreement on the development of such a system. However, there is a proposal at present under consideration under EEC auspices which would provide for a degree of monitoring of certain tankers entering or leaving Community ports. The Deputy can be assured that I will adopt a positive and constructive approach towards this proposal and indeed towards any other proposals that are shown to be practicable and are likely to contribute towards the safety of shipping and the reduction of pollution risks.
468.
asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he considers that the carrying of environmentally dangerous chemicals in the Irish Sea constitutes specific environmental hazard to our coastline; and if he will make arrangements, in conjunction with the maritime authority in the United Kingdom, to arrange for a limited system of monitoring such vessels.
Dangerous goods, including dangerous chemicals, loaded on board ship in Ireland, Britain and elsewhere are subject to the requirements in relation to dangerous goods of the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea, which has been implemented by virtually all maritime countries.
Ireland, Britain and many other countries apply, in elaboration of the relevant convention provisions, the detailed requirements in regard to the packing, stowage, handling and labelling of dangerous goods carried on board ship, which are contained in the dangerous goods code of the Inter-governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation (IMCO). This code, which is a comprehensive work in several volumes, is constantly amended and kept up to date by IMCO.
The position about the monitoring of vessels at sea is dealt with in Question No. 467, which I have answered today.