Vol. 521 No. 1
119 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he will introduce regulations to more effectively control the operation of leisure craft, the sometimes irresponsible use of which are putting the emergency services at risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16337/00]
On the issue of safety on leisure craft, as the Deputy is aware, the action group on small powered recreational craft, including personal watercraft, recently presented me with its final report. This report made a number of recommendations, including some in respect to the carriage and use of lifejackets, carriage of safety equipment and consumption of alcohol. On the basis of this, I am currently proposing the introduction of a legislative framework for the regulation of recreational craft. This is being achieved through amendments to the Merchant Shipping Act, 1992, which are included in the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Bill, 1999. The Bill passed the Dáil Report and Final Stages on 24 May 2000 and the Second Stage in the Seanad on 8 June 2000. It is scheduled for debate on the Seanad Committee Stage on 13 June 2000.
The Bill foresees the implementation of regulations to take account, not only of the safety of the passengers and occupants of the vessels in question but also of the safety of other persons resulting from the use of the vessels and any disturbance or nuisance caused by their usage.
Following on the enactment of this piece of legislation, I hope to quickly introduce implementing regulations based on the recommendations of the action group's final report.
I consider that these regulations, allied to the recently launched "Year 2000 Safety on the Water" campaign, will contribute to an increase in safety in the water based leisure sector and a resultant decrease in the emergency calls received by the emergency services in future.
