Vol. 472 No. 6
22 Mr. Gallagher (Donegal South West) asked the Minister for the Marine the steps, if any, which have been taken to implement the recommendations of the Safety Review Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22443/96]
The Deputy will be aware I have already responded to a question from Deputy Smith concerning the implementation of the Fishing Vessel Safety Review Group. I explained that following intensive analysis of the report of the review group in the Department of the Marine a new national policy on fishing vessel safety is being developed. This takes account of the recommendations and objectives of the review group.
I intend to seek Government approval to initiate this new strategy which is set out in a draft memorandum for the government which has been circulated to relevant Departments for their observations. The overall aim of the proposed new policy is to achieve fundamental improvements in safety in the sea fishing sector with a view to reducing, to the greatest extent possible, fishing vessel casualties and, in particular, loss of life at sea.
While the proposed comprehensive safety programme for the fishing sector will clearly need to be phased in over a period, 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 onshore radio communication 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. This 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.
I am glad a working group has been set up, a strategy is being developed and a booklet produced but is the Minister satisfied with the speed of reaction to the safety review group's report? What issues are stalling implementation of its recommendations? When will they be implemented in full?
Despite what has been said, I am satisfied action is being taken on all fronts. For practical reasons, we have advanced on some more than others. The summary of recommendations shows that progress on many of them is dependent on the outcome of the mid-term review of Structural Funds which will not take place until 1997. The group recommended that we seek additional funds which it recognised are necessary.
Work is being done at a professional level on other matters, including radio communications, and much progress is being made. We have been in consultation with BIM. A great deal of emphasis is placed in the programme on the need for training while booklets will be issued to make fishermen more aware of the need for safety.
On the question of fleet renewal, criticism has been expressed. I explained in detail what is being done. I am trying to secure the introduction into the fleet of as many new fishing vessels as I can. In 1994 when the operational programme was drawn up we were given £11 million for fleet modernisation and renewal. That will not take us very far.
Where possible, action will be taken immediately. It will take time, however, to implement some of the recommendations while progress on others is dependent on the industry taking the necessary precautions in the maintenance of vessels. Any regulations introduced would have to be adhered to. If a fishing vessel goes down and lives are lost, it will be too late to do anything about it. Checks would have to be carried out to ensure they are being complied with.
The report was issued only six months ago. Coming from County Donegal, the Deputy will appreciate we are seeking to rectify something that has been happening for many years where habits have been developed. Unfortunately, people do not pay enough attention to the need for safety measures and safe practices. There is a need for education and to establish mobile units to raise standards. A school has been opened in Castletownbere. There is a similar school in Greencastle. I hope new entrants to the industry will bring a fresh approach and will be conscious of the need for safety and to properly maintain vessels and machinery. In the process many lives should be saved.
When one considers there are vessels in the fleet between 35 and 50 years old and it has been described as dilapidated, the matter must be considered urgent. Can the Minister give an assurance that money will be made available in the Estimates for fleet renewal? What are the chances of obtaining funds in the mid-term review?
When I had discussions recently with the Irish Fishermen's Federation I undertook to consider the introduction of a pilot project. As the Deputy knows, we have the most modern pelagic fleet in the world, the bulk of which was provided through private investment as an attractive investment. Other structural aspects have to be looked at as investment in new boats alone will not solve the problem. The pelagic fleet is the perfect example. I will do everything I can to secure the introduction of new vessels into the fleet as quickly as possible.
The report contains a fascinating statistic: 39 per cent of the vessels in the Spanish fleet, which we are often told is the most modern in Europe, are more than 30 years old. Twenty four per cent of the vessels in the Irish fleet are more than 30 years old.
A grant of 75 per cent is payable.
The safety review group was established about one year ago, almost to the week, in the wake of the Carrickatine disaster. It submitted 60 recommendations to the Minister last May, some of which have been implemented. Those engaged in the fishing industry will incur considerable costs in implementing some of them. Will the Minister consider seeking European funds to assist those fishermen who will be obliged to improve their craft to comply with the regulations?
I can give such an undertaking. I will look at the matter to ascertain if European funds are available to implement a number of the recommendations. It will be necessary to phase in some of them over a period of time. One has to be reasonable. We will inform the industry if funding is available.
