Vol. 521 No. 1
124 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will introduce penalties on boat owners and-or users who are responsible for having the emergency services called out without sufficiently good reason. [16756/00]
The Irish coast guard of my Department is responsible for the initiation and co-ordination of all maritime SAR measures/operations within the internationally designated Irish search and rescue region. I do not intend to introduce penalties on boat owners and-or users who are responsible for having the emergency services called out without good reason. Each request for assistance is treated seriously. I know that boats and ships can be dangerous workplaces and all boat and ship owners and users should realise that they are responsible for their own safety.
Regarding hoax calls, it is a matter for the Director of Telecommunications Regulation to determine the nature of any investigation into hoax calls. Hoax calls are referred to the Director of Telecommunications Regulation and-or the Garda.
Regarding hoax calls, I am satisfied with the level of penalties under the Wireless and Telegraphy Act, 1988, for abusing the marine-band radio which is £1,000 and-or up to six months imprisonment. On conviction on indictment in a higher court, this fine can be as high as £20,000 and-or up to 12 months' imprisonment. The penalty under the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, 1951 and 1983, for abusing the telephone 999 or 112 emergency system is £800 and-or up to 12 months' imprisonment. On conviction on indictment in a higher court this figure can be as high as £50,000 and-or up to five years' imprisonment.
