Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 11 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 2

Written Answers. - Ship Registration.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

83 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his plans to address problems presented by flag of convenience vessels whereby workers providing a vital service to the economy may not be receiving internationally accepted levels of wages and conditions; if, in this regard, his attention has been drawn to the serious concern expressed by the trade union movement regarding the treatment of seafarers on the Cork-Swansea ferry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15904/03]

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

All merchant vessels of any significant size must be registered. There are more than 140 ship registers in operation worldwide. Ship registers impose obligations on ship owners regarding maintenance, crewing standards and certification of those matters by the flag state or inspection bodies duly authorised by the flag state. I am advised that the practice of using flags of convenience, involving what is perceived as lenient regulatory requirements, is still permissible under international law.

As Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, I have responsibilities in relation to the Irish Ship Register, that is, for Irish registered ships. The operations of other ship registers is governed by applicable national and international law. I have no statutory functions in relation to seafarers' wages. The ship operated by the company referred to by the Deputy is not registered on the Irish Ship Register. Obligations on the ship's owners regarding maintenance, crewing standards and certification of those matters are appropriate to the flag state operating the ship's register, St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Foreign registered vessels using Irish ports are inspected regularly by the Marine Survey Office of my Department in the exercise of Ireland's port state control obligations. These inspections are aimed at ensuring that such vessels are maintained and operated in compliance with international safety standards laid down by the International Maritime Organisation, IMO, and, in relation to seafarers' social conditions, by the International Labour Organisation's, ILO, maritime conventions, together with relevant EU initiatives in the maritime area. Deficiencies identified are brought to the attention of the owner and flag state administration and may have to be rectified before the ship continues its journey. The ship operated by the company referred to by the Deputy was given a detailed and operational port state control inspection in May this year by officials of my Department's Marine Survey Office and no deficiencies were identified during that inspection.

Ireland participates in IMO and ILO discussions on seafarers' welfare, supporting proposals aimed at improving their terms and conditions of employment. Ireland will continue to support efforts in all appropriate fora to enhance working conditions for seafarers and will continue to enforce safety and operational standards through the port state control framework.