Phil Hogan
Ceist:146 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department is planning to put in place a system of registration for recreational vessels and small boats here. [21867/03]
Written Answers. - Water Sports Vehicles.
David Stanton
Ceist:174 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the measures he intends to put in place to register and control the use of motor speed boats and other such crafts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22178/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 146 and 174 together.
I announced recently that I will bring forward proposals to establish a new agency with responsibility for all elements of marine safety, including emergency response and pollution control. I intend to confer on the agency responsibility to maintain Ireland's national shipping registers relating to all vessel and craft types, including a new register for leisure craft and small boats.
As part of the process of developing the leisure craft and small boat register, my Department has requested the Marine Institute to undertake a public consultation process on the form and content of such a register, and this process is under way at this time. The conclusions from this consultation process will inform decisions on the establishment and ongoing management and use of the register going forward. I will be mandating the new agency to develop appropriate conditions attaching to the regulation of these vessels in order to ensure their safe operation.