asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he will make a statement concerning the proposed measures by the Council of Transport Ministers of the European Community concerning the inspection of oil tankers; the reservations alleged to have been submitted by the Irish Government concerning the adoption of this directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Inspection of Oil Tankers.
31.
At their meeting on 20 February 1979 the EEC Council of Transport Ministers considered a proposal for a Council Decision rendering mandatory the procedures for the inspection of ships forming the subject of resolutions of the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation. The effect of the decision would have been to harmonise within the Community by 1 January and 1 July, 1980 respectively:
(a) procedures for the control of ships to ensure that they comply with prescribed safety standards and
(b) procedures for the control of discharges under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea by Oil, 1954 (as amended in 1962 and 1969).
Newspaper reports that Ireland had entered a reservation with regard to the adoption of the decision were incorrect. On the contrary Ireland welcomed the proposed decision when it was introduced and gave full support to its adoption at the Council meeting. It was not possible to adopt the decision because the United Kingdom delegation, while not opposing the merits of the proposals, had problems in regard to the implications of extending competence to the Community in regard to technical matters arising in international bodies such as the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation.