Vol. 403 No. 9
15 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Marine when he intends to introduce legislation to bring the regulation of boats which carry 12 or fewer passengers for hire or reward within the scope of the merchant shipping legislation and to provide for stiff penalties for the illegal carriage of passengers.
(Limerick West): The Government have approved the draft heads of the Merchant Shipping (Passenger and Vessel Safety and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, 1990, which will bring the licensing and regulation of boats which carry 12 or fewer passengers for hire or reward within the scope of the Merchant Shipping Acts and provide for stiff penalties for the illegal carriage of passengers. The text of the Bill is currently being finalised in conjunction with the parliamentary draftsman. The Bill will be introduced in the new year and, I hope, with the assistance of this House, to have the legislation enacted as quickly as possible.
I welcome the information which has been given by the Minister. May I ask him if it is his intention to have this legislation enacted before the summer of 1991 when most of these boats will be operating? May I ask him specifically if the legislation will require boats which carry fewer than 12 passengers to be equipped with lifejackets?
(Limerick West): It is my intention that this legislation would be passed into law by the summer of 1991. The Bill will, among other things, bring the regulation of boats which carry 12 or fewer passengers for hire or reward within the scope of the Merchant Shipping Acts and provide for stiff penalties. It will consolidate existing legislative provisions governing ships which carry more then 12 passengers and increase penalties in respect of the illegal carriage of passengers. It will give power of detention of vessels to a wider number of persons, provide for forfeiture of vessels in certain circumstances and provide for the making of regulations in respect of safety on pleasure craft and fishing vessels.
Will the Bill place a mandatory requirement on the owners or operators of vessels which carry fewer than 12 passengers to supply lifejackets?
(Limerick West): I do not have that information with me but I will let the Deputy have it. In any event, I would think that this will be the case.
May I ask the Minister if any discussions will take place with the various organisations operating rescue services, such as the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, in regard to safety in this area in advance of the legislation being brought before the House?
(Limerick West): I expect that all the relevant organisations will be consulted in advance of the legislation coming before the House.
That disposes of questions for today.
