Peter Barry
Ceist:70 Mr. Barry asked the Minister for the Marine if a coherent policy is now in place for improved maritime safety and pollution prevention relating to European Community waters; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Maritime Safety and Pollution Prevention.
I am glad to be able to inform the Deputy that the Commission's recent communication on "A Common Policy on Safe Seas" has been welcomed by all member states. The policy objectives and main initiatives set out in the Commission's communication will be formally endorsed by the Council of Ministers in early June when a resolution to this effect will be fully debated.
With coherent policy objectives firmly agreed, the way will now be clear for the implementation of an action programme of priority measures to enhance maritime safety and pollution prevention in Community waters. The action programme will give priority to strengthening inspection and enforcement procedures to eliminate substandard operators, vessels and crews from Community waters. It will also include measures to identify and protect ecologically sensitive coastal areas, to improve the safety of maritime navigation and to enhance standards of training.
I will be urging at Council for concrete proposals to give effect to these measures to be brought forward with all possible speed. It is only through concerted action of the Community level that an effective response to the requirements of maritime safety and prevention of marine pollution can be assured.