Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2013
667. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures that are currently being taken to improve and promote safety at sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41141/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's maritime safety agenda is constantly being developed in line with developments across the maritime sector, including internationally recognised safety conventions, safety standards, codes of practice, and in the ongoing undertaking of ship surveys and inspections. Other commitments by my Department include chairing the Marine Safety Working Group which addresses a range of marine safety issues and participation in the Working Group on Safety, Training and Employment in the Fishing Industry. There have been a number of recent activities to raise safety awareness, including a Safety on the Water TV Ad Campaign, a number of Search and Rescue Demonstrations by the Coast Guard around the country, visits to schools and the launch of a new wrist band campaign for children, which provides contact information should they get lost. The priority for the remainder of this year will be the drafting of a Maritime Safety Strategy, which I announced earlier in the summer. The Irish Maritime Administration, which comprises all the maritime functions of my Department, has been tasked with setting out the framework of the new strategy in a consultation paper to be published by year end. Its central objective will be to create a culture of safety at sea by building a deeper awareness of the measures we, as the public, the industry and the State can take to tackle risks together.
