Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 3 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 1

Written Answers. - Ferry Safety Regulations.

Ivor Callely

Ceist:

234 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine if he has satisfied himself with the safety regulations governing car and passenger ferry operations; if he has satisfied himself with the inspections of such regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14523/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

I am satisfied that our existing legislative and inspection regime for safety on car and passenger ferries is in line with, and in many respects exceeds, international and EU standards.

The Marine Survey Office of the Department of the Marine operates a strict year-round inspection programme for all ferries using Irish ports. This programme is designed to ensure strict compliance with national, international and EU safety standards. The programme also encourages a culture of safety, reliability and best practice.

Irish-registered passenger vessels are subjected annually to a thorough inspection for the renewal of their passenger and safety certificates. These vessels are required to be equipped, maintained and inspected to the highest international standards. Foreign-registered vessels using Irish ports are also inspected regularly in exercise of Ireland's obligation as a port state.

As the Deputy is aware, there is a large international dimension to maritime safety legislation which is governed primarily by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and increasingly, the European Union. The IMO's conventions are the cornerstone of maritime safety regulations throughout the world. My Department will continue to give the highest priority to introducing into Irish law the IMO's constantly evolving standards for ferry safety.

I would refer the Deputy to my reply to his question of 29 May last which deals with this aspect in detail.