Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2004
7 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources when he intends to introduce measures to provide for the more effective control of jet skis in view of the clear danger these can pose to other water users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19219/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Deputies are aware, my Department has an ongoing safety programme involving a combination of statutory regulation, enforcement and safety awareness promotion with the aim of achieving the highest level of safety at sea and on inland waters.
Two sets of regulations which contain national provisions governing the safe use of jet skis and similar craft are already in force. The Merchant Shipping (Pleasure Craft) (Lifejackets and Operation) (Safety) Regulations 2004 contain provisions relating to age restrictions, the carrying, wearing and use of lifejackets and restrictions on the use of alcohol and drugs. These provisions also apply to ski boarding, water skiing, paragliding and other towed rides.
The second set of regulations, the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Act 2000 (Prescribed Classes of Vessels) Regulations 2001 (S.I. No. 285 of 2001) prescribe personal watercraft —— jet skis — and fast power craft for the purposes of careless and dangerous navigation or operation provisions in the Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) Act 2000.
In addition, I am delighted to announce that on 22 June 2004, the Government approved the publication of the Maritime Safety Bill 2004, the purpose of which is to strengthen the law further against the improper use of certain fast powered craft such as jet skis. That Bill will be taken in the Seanad tomorrow. My objective is to have this legislation enacted as soon as possible.
The Bill will provide powers for local authorities to regulate and control the use and operation of jet skis and other mechanically propelled sport and leisure craft in their areas. It also provides for increases in penalties, including a provision for on-the-spot fines and for the seizure and detention of craft suspected to be involved in serious offences. This further strengthening of the law against the improper operation of fast powered watercraft will significantly enhance public safety and amenity and protect natural and other heritage areas.
I join my colleague in Fine Gael in commending the Minister on bringing forward the legislation at long last. As a water sports enthusiast, he has brought forward some other important measures to deal with water safety. On behalf of the Labour Party, I sympathise with the families of the two young men who drowned on Sunday.
It will not be possible to get this legislation through the Oireachtas in the next two weeks. It would have been good to have had it on the Statute Book for the summer season. In regard to the passage of by-laws, I believe the previous legislation referred to had some strong points but varying attitudes were taken by local authorities. Does the legislation mean there will be a uniform approach to the use of jet skis and other such vehicles which will be strictly implemented by the Minister's Department?
I thank the Deputy for his remarks. Up to now, nine local authorities and three port companies have brought in by-laws and regulations for the use of jet skis. I would have liked it to have been more by now. That is one of the reasons we are bringing forward the legislation, namely, to have a uniform approach throughout the country. When we examined the different types of regulations brought in, we saw there were inconsistencies and different treatment between local authorities. I regret that we cannot get the legislation passed sooner as it would increase the fines and strengthen the existing regime. However, I would not like it thought that we do not have a legislative regime in this respect because we do. There is a responsibility on local authorities to bring forward these regulations as soon as possible.
In my county of Wexford there is a major problem with the use of jet skis in Courtown where the beach is very populated during the summer. Parents and users of the beach are concerned about the use of jet skis at sea which could be the cause of accidents. The use of jet skis on rivers is also a problem in the county, of which the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, will be aware.
Fishermen are complaining about jet skis being used on the River Slaney where there is fishing activity and where nets have been laid down. Will the Minister introduce legislation or otherwise so that jet skis can only be used on certain parts of the river? Is it up to the local authorities to police this?
The legislation will take care of the type of situations to which the Deputy referred. I have come across gardaí who have intervened where jet skis have been used dangerously in my area. I compliment the Garda Síochána on intervening in this regard. As the Deputy said, some people are concerned about the use of jet skis. I exhort anyone who has a jet ski to use it in such a way that it does not put themselves or others in danger.
