Ireland is not alone in having to contend with competition from vessels employing low cost crews; this problem affects all EU member states.
In line with the Programme for Government, I am reviewing ways in which the operating climate for the shipping sector can be enhanced to support the objectives of improved services, standards, modernisation and the ability to compete of the Irish-registered fleet.
The strategic objective is to enable Irish shipping companies to meet international competition under comparable cost conditions but without compromising on safety. The intention is to ensure the maintenance and creation of Irish seafaring jobs in the sector and to facilitate productive investment to modernise and expand the fleet.