John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputies for their support of the Bill and look forward to their assistance in ensuring its early passage. Its enactment and Dáil approval of the necessary motions under Article 29.5.2o of the Constitution to approve the terms of the 1988 convention and its protocol are the essential first steps to enable Ireland to formally accede to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation and its protocol. Ireland's accession cannot take effect until 90 days after the instrument of accession is deposited with the Secretary General of the UN International Maritime Organisation in London. However, early passage of the Bill will reassure our important commercial shipping and port enterprises and offshore energy producers. It also confirms the Government's resolve to deal effectively with the terrorism dossier during our EU Presidency. Deputies will have an opportunity to raise issues during the Estimates debate tomorrow and with the Minister on Committee Stage.

Deputies Morgan and Ferris asked if the Bill could be used in cases involving industrial action or a protest against states or businesses. Advice has been sought from the Office of the Attorney General on these points, to which we will return on Committee Stage.

The Bill provides for the protection of shipping and offshore platforms against damage or destruction and injury to persons on board. It targets unlawful, that is, disproportionate and unjustifiable, actions against human life and property such as ships and offshore platforms. The 1988 convention and protocol are being reviewed at the IMO with a view to improvement. Therefore, some changes may come about.

A number of general points were raised. Maritime security is an ongoing issue, as is maritime safety and protection of the marine environment. We must address these issues as best we can. Legislation is an element of the required response and security and safety awareness needs to be uppermost in the minds of all users of the sea, whether businesses or individuals. The Bill ensures offenders can be prosecuted and punished in the State wherever they commit the offences.

Sea fishery issues were raised by a number of Deputies. Deputy Sargent commented on the unacceptable practices that were depleting stocks of razor clams and fish near the shore. I have noted his comments and my Department can consider what is to be done.

Deputy Neville asked about the Shannon Foynes Port Company and trans-shipment. Given the small size of the country, the question of developing port facilities at Shannon Foynes Port and others must be carefully considered in the national context. This calls for a realistic assessment to be made of business needs and opportunities to avoid wasteful investments. I look forward to the active development by port companies of links with customers and potential customers in order to maximise profitable business in the longer term for publicly owned assets.

Deputy Broughan requested information on whether the USA was one of the 78 countries that were party to the 1988 Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation. The USA has been a party to the convention since 6 March 1995 and is also one of the 71 countries that are party to the 1988 protocol to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf. I will send further information on all states involved in the convention to the Deputy within the next few days.

The Deputy also raised the question of the Maritime Safety Directorate of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and the port facility plans in respect of eight facilities at Dublin Port. Any concerns of stevedores or other port users should be addressed to the Dublin Port Company without delay. The Department is not aware of concerns raised by stevedores as outlined by the Deputy but if he gives us the details, we will investigate the matter. These plans will be thoroughly examined on receipt and all of the facilities in question will be visited by representatives of the Department.

The Deputy also raised the issue of the absence of harbour masters at some ports. A recruitment competition to fill the vacant posts at Howth, Dunmore East and Castletownbere will take place in the near future. The filling of these posts had been delayed pending the settlement of terms and conditions by the Department of Finance. Interviews will take place shortly.

Deputy Keaveney asked whether the Bill had any adverse implications for the Lough Foyle Ferry Company which operates a ferry service between Greencastle, County Donegal, and Magilligan, County Derry. The answer is no. On the contrary, it ensures a terrorist attack on the service would be a criminal offence subject to prosecution and severe punishment.

In a nutshell, the Bill is aimed at safeguarding human life and protecting shipping and offshore platforms. I thank Deputies on all sides of the House for their support for it. I hope it will pass through its final Stages in the next few weeks. I thank Mr. Tobin for preparing it and working beyond the call of duty in ensuring it will be passed through the House as quickly as possible.

See this speech in context