Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 23 Jan 1997

Vol. 473 No. 5

Written Answers. - Fishing Vessel Safety.

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Ceist:

183 Mr. Gallagher (Donegal South-West) asked the Minister for the Marine the recommendations, if any, of the Irish fishing vessel safety group he has implemented to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1887/97]

Minister for the Marine (Mr. Barrett)

As indicated in reply to the Deputy on 10 December last, a new national policy on fishing vessel safety is being developed following intensive analysis of the report of the review group. Government approval will be sought shortly to initiate this new strategy which takes account of the recommendations and objectives of the review group.

As also indicated previously, action is already being taken on a number of specific recommendations of the review group, notably in the areas of training, on-shore radiocommunications and safety awareness. With reference to safety training in particular, I recently launched a newly refurbished BIM coastal training unit which will bring training in the safe operation of fishing vessels directly to fishermen in ports around the coast. The review group identified a mobile training unit as having a key role in meeting training requirements and in attracting fishermen to training courses. The Department and An Bord Iascaigh Mhara are currently examining other options to increase the level of safety training available to fishermen.

Deputies will also be aware of my recent decision to locate a medium load carrying helicopter on the east coast as and from late this year. The current all weather night flying search and rescue helicopter, based in Baldonnel, will then be relocated to the south-south-east coast. The exact location will be decided in the light of areas of relative activity and risk, and will, of course, take into account fishing activity in that regard. These two measures, while not addressed in the review group report, will add considerably to the safety of fishermen on the east and south coasts.