Trevor Sargent
Ceist:133 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on the ships trading here under flags of convenience. [29204/01]
Written Answers. - Fishing Vessel Regulations.
The operation of vessels under flags of convenience is not objectionable per se but is subject to their full compliance with international and EU maritime safety standards, including requirements in relation to the working and living conditions of seafarers. Foreign registered vessels using Irish ports are inspected regularly by the Marine Survey Office of my Department in exercise of Ireland's port state control obligations to ensure that vessels are maintained and operated in compliance with these standards. These standards will be further augmented next year with the implementation of two EU Council directives which deal respectively with the organisation of working time for seafarers and with the enforcement through inspections of provisions in respect of seafarers' hours of work on board vessels calling at Community ports. Ireland will continue to support all efforts to enhance working conditions for seafarers on board flags of convenience and all vessels and will continue to enforce safety and operational standards through the port state control framework.
Question No. 134 answered with Question No. 69.