Cecilia Keaveney
Ceist:119 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if a safety device (details supplied) will be tested by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3217/01]
Written Answers. - Safety Device.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 241 of 3 October 2000 in which I explained that there is no formal approval process which allows for my Department to endorse the submerged vessel locator buoy which has been designed by Mr. Kelly. Consequently, there is no mechanism by which my Department can test this device. However, I welcome the initiative shown by Mr. Kelly in developing this product and I am anxious that its potential usefulness as a safety device should receive the fullest consideration. In this regard, I have directed that his concept be brought to the attention of the Fishing Vessel Safety Implementation Group and the Fishing Vessel Safety Liaison Group, which were established by my Department to assess progress and to identify priority areas for action with regard to implementing the recommendations of the Fishing Vessel Safety Review Group which published its report in 1996. Both groups comprise representatives of the relevant divisions within my Department, the Health and Safety Authority, BIM and in the case of the liaison group, representatives of the main fishing organisations. I have asked the members of these groups to examine Mr. Kelly's proposal and to advise me if the carriage of such a locator buoy would merit consideration as a statutory requirement.
I will ensure that the Deputy is informed of the outcome of this consultation in due course.