Denis Naughten
Ceist:31 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the proposals he has to introduce legislation to control the use of jet skis and power boats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6294/01]
Other Questions. - Water Sports Vehicles.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Final Report of the Action Group on Small Powered Recreational Craft, which was presented to me in April 2000, recommended the introduction of a new legislative framework to allow for the enactment by local authorities of by-laws to control the use of jet skis and fast power craft as an initial step and for regulations on national provisions governing the safe use of such craft.
The introduction of this legislative framework has now been achieved through amendments to the Merchant Shipping Act, 1992, which were included in the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Act, 2000. As a result of these amendments, I, as Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, am empowered to introduce statutory regulations to take account not only of the safety of recreational craft, including jet skis and fast power craft, and their occupants, but the safety of other persons resulting which could be affected by the use of the craft and any disturbance or nuisance caused by their usage. Significantly, as Minister, I am also empowered to provide local authorities and bodies with the power to introduce by-laws to control the use of such craft in areas under their jurisdiction.
My Department is currently in the process of drafting regulations which will allow for the enactment of such by-laws. These regulations will also include, inter alia, provisions relating to age restrictions, the carriage and use of life jackets, restrictions on the use of alcohol and drugs as well as provisions relating to careless and danger ous driving of jet skis and fast power craft. It is my intention that these draft regulations will be finalised shortly in consultation with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government, so that their implementation will be achieved in time for the coming summer season.
I thank the Minister for his response. I tabled this question because this is a parochial matter in the Minister's constituency, where a young man from County Roscommon was killed in the backwash of a speed boat on the River Corrib. His mother has been campaigning to ensure the necessary safety measures are put in place on the River Corrib and on other rivers throughout the country. Can the Minister guarantee these by-laws will be in place by the summer? While I do not doubt he will ensure the regulations are introduced I cannot see how local authorities will have by-laws passed and enacted for the summer. Will the Minister assure the House that this will happen?
The draft regulations will be in place for the coming season. It will be a matter for the local authorities to implement them.
While I do not dispute the fact that regulations will be in place, I am asking the Minister to give a guarantee to the House that by-laws will be in place for the summer. Will we have to await another summer and further tragedies? What resources will be provided for the local authorities to police the by-laws and ensure they will be enforced?
The by-laws will be in place by the summer. The policing of by-laws is a matter for the local authorities. I emphasise that people should act responsibly. The majority of youths, especially those attached to boating and sports clubs, do so. It is only a small number who will act outside the law. For the first time we will have by-laws and regulations in place and I am satisfied that they will improve the situation significantly.