Vol. 537 No. 5
163 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 31 of 21 March 2001, he will indicate when he plans to publish the new regulations; his views on whether these will be in place for the summer season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17197/01]
Further to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 31 of 21 March, 2001, I will shortly, and in time for the coming summer season, introduce an initial phase of regulations which will contain national provisions governing the safe use of jet skis and fast power craft. These will include, inter alia, provisions relating to age restrictions, the carriage and use of lifejackets, restrictions on the use of alcohol and drugs as well as provisions relating to the careless and dangerous driving of such craft.
It is also my intention that some legal issues which have recently arisen in relation to the enactment by local authorities of by-laws to control the use of jet skis and fast power craft will be clarified shortly by my Department, in consultation with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government, so that those authorities wishing to introduce such by-laws will be in a position to do so in time for the summer season.
