Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 7

Written Answers. - Fishing Vessel Safety.

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

432 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Marine the steps, if any, which have been taken to fulfil section 51 of the recommendations of the review group in relation to fishing vessel safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21528/96]

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

437 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Marine the action, if any, which has been taken to follow-up the recommendations of the review group on fishing vessel safety; and if he will make a statement on the positive advances, if any, which have resulted from this action. [21652/96]

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

438 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Marine the action, if any, which has been taken in respect of recommendations 49 to 56 in relation to fleet policy for the whitefish sector of the fishing industry, as laid out in a report submitted earlier in 1996 by the review group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21653/96]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 432, 437 and 438 together.

Intensive analysis of the report of the review group has been under way in the Department of the Marine since the report was published and a new national policy on fishing vessel safety is currently being finalised with a view to implementing the recommendations and objectives of the review group, including those relating to fleet policy. This will require the putting in place of the necessary legislative framework, structures and logistical and financial resources, including EU and Exchequer funds. I am totally committed to pursuing these resources. I propose, in this regard, to seek additional allocations of Structural Funds, in the context of the mid-term review of the Community Support Framework, to support the implementation of the recommendations of the review group.

In relation to fleet renewal a consultancy study is currently being undertaken to analyse, from all perspectives, the relative socio-economic and commercials merits of the introduction of new vessels into the whitefish fleet. The outcome of this study will inform an assessment of future directions for fleet policy having regard to all relevant factors, including developments at EU level.

While the proposed comprehensive safety programme for the fishing sector will clearly need to be phased in over a period of time, a number of measures are already being implemented on foot of the report of the review group.

The Department and Bord Iascaigh Mhara are reviewing safety training requirements in light of the review group's recommendations in this area and in that context a newly refurbished mobile coastal training unit will be launched shortly which will bring training in the safe operation of fishing vessels directly to fishermen in ports around the coast.

Having regard to on-shore radiocommunications facilities, the Department has placed orders for new medium frequency radio transmitters at Belmullet and Rosslare which will provide greater radio coverage and improve response to distress calls from fishermen off the north west coast and in the Irish Sea.

In July I established a Marine Safety Working Group which aims to increase safety awareness among seafarers, including fishermen. The Working Group, which brings together representatives of various organisations having an active role in promoting marine safety, is to shortly issue a booklet containing guidelines to reduce machinery failure in fishing vessels, the main cause of emergency incidents involving such vessels.