Jim Kemmy
Ceist:41 Mr. Kemmy asked the Minister for the Marine if he is satisfied with the takeup of the Fishing Vessel Safety Manual prepared by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Fishing Vessel Safety Manual.
As part of its strategy in creating an awareness of the importance of safety on our waters, my Department is engaging in the dissemination of information by way of press releases to the media, marine notices and booklets or pamphlets on particular aspects of safety, for example, the Fishing Vessel Safety Manual. I am satisfied from correspondence and from contacts with relevant persons, organisations and groups, both within the Department and outside of it that the Fishing Vessel Safety Manual has been favourably received and that there has been an upsurge in demand for sea survival and safety training courses. In this sense the objective of the publication is being achieved.
It would be impossible to estimate the extent to which the manual has been circulated because of the wide distribution network. Sales through the Government Publications Sale Office and booksellers have been moderate but an initial print of 5,000 is available to fishermen and fishing organisations free of charge.