Vol. 498 No. 1
46 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the safety measures, if any, in place for the protection of the public in close proximity to sea shores, canals, lakes and maritime in general; if he will review the safety facilities in place on the northside of Dublin Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25728/98]
My Department plays an important role in maritime and water based safety with the goal of preventing as far as possible the loss of life at sea by establishing and enforcing high safety standards and providing effective emergency response services.
My key objectives in this area are to ensure that vessels meet accepted international safety standards; to improve marine safety culture and awareness; and to ensure the provision of an efficient and effective marine emergency service.
In regard to the latter objective, I have recently extended the remit of the Irish Marine Emergency Service to include inland waters and I will shortly be bringing proposals to Government with a view to developing the service into a coastguard.
The main strategies in place to achieve these objectives are adopting and implementing updated safety rules and regulations in accordance with accepted international standards; supporting the adoption of high international safety standards by the International Maritime Organisation, the EU and other international organisations; developing and using the services of my Department's Marine Survey Office and the Marine Radio Surveyors' Office to survey vessels and enforce standards; promoting marine safety, in association with other safety agencies and sectoral and voluntary groups; providing a marine emergency service through public and voluntary bodies, the co-ordination of those services and co-operation with other states in the operation of emergency services; co-ordinating with other services including the Garda, hospitals, etc. in relation to major accident response plan; and the provision of a range of navigational aids and communication network.
While I am satisfied that this approach is an essential component of the national and international strategy to advance maritime safety, my Department is not primarily concerned with the provision and maintenance of safety facilities (other than those needed for the rescue services) on the northside of Dublin Bay or elsewhere throughout the country. Safety facilities are the responsibility of those authorities and organisations charged with the management and development of discrete land, shore and water based areas and resources.
