Ship Inspections.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 December 2006

Thursday, 7 December 2006

Ceisteanna (146)

Eamon Ryan

Ceist:

146 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the failure of private companies operating at Dublin Port to allow trade union representatives to gain access to chartered vessels in order to carry out inspections, as provided for under the Merchant Shipping (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 147), to which Ireland is a signatory; if he has had communication with the Dublin Port Authority with regard to this matter; and the measures his Department has taken to ensure that Ireland is fully compliant with its obligations under the convention. [42124/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport (Mr. Gallagher)

My Department of Transport has not been in communication with the Dublin Port Company in relation to the matters raised by the Deputy, in relation to which I have no function.

Department of Transport marine surveyors carry out inspections of ships docked in Irish ports and these inspections cover, inter alia, matters relating to the safe operation of such ships and the living and working conditions of ships' crew.