Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 May 2018
224. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the responsibilities of the Coast Guard including if the Coast Guard is responsible for the enforcement of the Sea Pollution Acts 1991 and 2006, the Merchant Shipping (Salvage and Wreck) Act 1993 and Annexe 12 (Standards and Recommended Practices Search and Rescue) Designation of Authorities Order 1995 [19482/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe IRCG have a number of functions and responsibilities, primarily Search and Rescue (SAR) and Maritime Pollution Prevention and Response. SAR functions are provided for in International Conventions promulgated by both the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Ireland is a contracting State to both organisations.
The powers to undertake such activities have been conferred by Government Decision - S.15675D of May 1998 in relation to pollution response and S. 21910 of August 1990 in respect of SAR. The rights and obligations are contained in national legislation, both primary and secondary.
The Irish Marine Emergency Service (IMES) was established by Government Decision S. 21910 of 2 August 1990, as a Division of the Department of the Marine. The name was later changed to the Irish Coast Guard (IRCG), in 2000 and the division was subsequently transferred to the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in 2006.
As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport I am empowered, through national and EU legislation, to appoint authorised officers to carry out certain functions. Nominated officers in the Coast Guard are authorised officers under the Sea Pollution Act 1991 and the Sea Pollution (Amendment) Act 1999 to perform functions in relation to maritime pollution.
In addition, nominated officers in the Coast Guard are authorised officers under the Merchant Shipping (Salvage and Wreck) Act 1993. The functions of the authorised officer include the taking such steps as the officer thinks fit to save the lives of persons belonging to the vessel and saving the vessel and the cargo.
Additionally, European Communities (Vessel Traffic Monitoring and Information System) Regulations 2010, give the IRCG powers to act in relation to Places of Refuge incidents and the monitoring of hazardous ships.
Finally, Annexe 12 (Standards and Recommended Practices Search & Rescue) (Designation Of Authorities) Order, 1995, designated the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications as the authority responsible for execution of powers under Annex 12 to the Chicago Convention, other than in relation to Aviation Rescue Co-ordination Centres and Aviation Rescue Co-ordination Sub-Centres, which are the responsibility of the Irish Aviation Authority.
