Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 5

Written Answers. - Water Sports.

Michael Ferris

Ceist:

32 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has received the interim report of the action group on small boats; if so, the plans, if any, he has to publish the report; when the final report is expected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24734/99]

I am happy to inform the Deputy that I received the interim report of the action group on small powered recreational craft, including personal water craft and jet skis last Friday, 19 November 1999. I am arranging for a copy to be placed in the Oireachtas Library as well as a copy to be sent directly to the Deputy. In addition I will ensure that the report is circulated to as wide a range of interested groups as soon as possible including all parties which made submissions to the action group. The final report is due by the end of February 2000 and I am confident that the action group will respect this deadline in the same timely manner that it met the deadline of mid-November 1999 for the interim report.

The action group's interim report makes a number of recommendations and suggestions and I would like to highlight just two of them at this stage.

I am pleased that the action group has identified some measures in relation to young persons as needing urgent attention, including a recommendation that persons under the age of 16 must wear appropriate lifejackets when on board open boats or on deck. The need to ensure the safety of children and young persons on the water must be paramount and I will be acting on these recommendations as soon as possible.

The action group has clearly indicated that powers for local authorities should be the primary response to controlling the use of jet skis and other fast craft. I intend to move quickly to ensure that the legislation required to make these powers available is prepared.

Barr
Roinn