Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 March 2005
212 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of unlicensed charter boats which were apprehended in 2004; and if he intends implementing measures to catch and prosecute those who operate passenger boats and ferries without appropriate licences and safety equipment. [9334/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn January 2003 a new licensing regime was introduced for passenger boats that carry 12 passengers or less. This new regime complemented the existing licensing regime for the larger passenger vessels, which carry more than 12 passengers.
Under both of these regimes the Department undertakes a variety of control measures, including detailed vessel surveys and unannounced operational inspections. Licence conditions relating to manning levels, maximum passenger numbers allowed and the continued availability of safety equipment are among the issues on which the inspectors focus. Vessels found in breach of licensing conditions are detained until the reasons for detention have been rectified.
It is the Department's policy to prosecute any person who operates a passenger vessel for reward without a licence. Since the introduction of the licensing regime for the smaller passenger boats in 2003 a targeted information campaign has been undertaken by the Department to promote compliance with the rules. While no operators were prosecuted in 2004 for not having a license, in a small number of cases where it was suspected that a vessel may have been operating illegally for reward and, where the inspector was unable to prove it, a letter of warning setting out the licensing requirements was issued. All complaints made in 2004 to the Department alleging unlicensed passenger vessel operation or licensed vessels in breach of their licence conditions were followed up and inspections carried out.
