Vol. 457 No. 1
200 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for the Marine the way in which residents of an island (details supplied) in County Mayo are expected to survive without basic medical services, food supplies and other services from the mainland in view of the fact that they have been told they cannot operate their currach service to and from the mainland without threat of prosecution. [15033/95]
I am sure the Deputy shares my concern for the safety of people who use passenger boats and ferries around our coasts. Under the Merchant Shipping Act, 1992 all passenger boats carrying not more than twelve passengers are required to hold a current, valid Passenger Boat Licence. A passenger boat is defined under the Act as any boat used to carry not more than twelve passengers for hire or reward. A Passenger Boat Licence is only granted after a vessel has been inspected by a Marine Surveyor of my Department and is shown to comply with strict minimum standards of safety and seaworthiness. Similarly, all passenger vessels carrying in excess of twelve passengers are statutorily required to hold a valid Passenger Vessel Safety Certificate, issued annually on foot of a survey conducted by a Marine Surveyor of my Department.
Responsibility for enforcing the legislation relating to the control of illegal passenger boat operations rests solely with the Garda Authorities. I understand that, earlier this year, in the aftermath of the Castletownbere ferry tragedy, the Department drew the attention of Garda Stations in coastal areas and those with harbours in their Divisional areas to the operation of passenger boats. In the light of this it appears that the Garda have increased their efforts at enforcing the legislation, which has given rise to the difficulties being experienced by the residents of the island referred to. I must emphasise, however, that no formal application has been received by my Department for a licence to operate a ferry service to the island in question.
I would also like to point out to the Deputy that an Inter-departmental Coordinating Committee on Island Development, on which my Department is represented, is currently examining all aspects of island development including the need for improved ferry services to islands and island communities. The committee, I understand, is due to report in the near future.
