Trevor Sargent
Ceist:109 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine the background, structure and aims of the Ferry Users Forum.
Written Answers. - Ferry Users' Forum.
The Ferry Users' Forum was established on 7 December, 1992. The decision to set up the forum was taken following the Havelet and Celtic Pride ferry incidents in order in the first instance to improve and facilitate communications between the users and operators of passenger ferries.
The forum is a non-statutory independent body which is separate from and complementary to the National Ferry Safety Committee. Membership of the forum includes representation from the seven ferry companies operating into and out of Ireland, the Department of the Marine and a wide range of tourism, consumer and passenger interests. The forum has met quarterly since its establishment last year and is currently developing its work programme for 1994.
The objective of the forum is to promote the highest standards of safety and passenger service for consumers on board passenger ferries operating into and out of Irish ports. To that end the forum is currently examining the scope for improved procedures with regard to the processing and handling of passenger complaints.