asked the Minister for the Marine the international treaties affecting safety at sea and pollution, which have not been ratified by this country; and the reasons for their non-ratification.
Written Answers. - Non-Ratification of International Conventions.
43.
The following is the information requested by the Deputy.
The International Conventions relating to safety of life at sea which have not been ratified by Ireland are:
Title: Torremolinos International Convention for the Safety of Fishing Vessels, 1977 (International Maritime Organisation). Reason for non-ratification—Present indications are that the Convention is unlikely to secure the support of sufficient countries to bring it into force internationally since certain of the main fishing nations have difficulties with its provisions. It is not proposed to take the necessary steps to ratify the Convention until it becomes clear that it is going to secure international acceptance.
Title: International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, 1979 (International Maritime Orgainsation). Reason for non-ratification—Ireland is in broad compliance with the provisions of the Convention and the Attorney-General's advice has been sought on the legal requirements for ratification. It is proposed to take the necessary steps to ratify the Convention as soon as possible.
The International Conventions relating to pollution of the sea which have not been ratified by Ireland are:—
Titles: (i) International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1969 as amended by Protocols of 1976 and 1984; (ii) International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage, 1971 as amended by Protocols of 1976 and 1984; (iii) International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973 as modified by the Protocol of 1978 (collectivly known as MARPOL 73/78); (iv) Protocol relating to Intervention of the High Seas in cases of Pollution by Substances other than Oil, 1973. Reason for non-ratification—New legislation is necessary to enable these conventions to be ratified by Ireland. The drafting of appropriate legislation is at an advanced stage.