Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

This incident occurred in July 2006. A recommendation stems from the fact that Emerald Star did not do as it was legally obliged to, namely, to report the incident to the relevant authorities. The Minister stated that the maritime safety directive will issue, but why has it not already issued? The MCIB has called for it and has also recommended that Emerald Star review its procedures. I am thankful that no one died in the incident, but Emerald Star did not ask the boat's crew to disembark and inspect the boat fully as it should have done. Subsequently, the boat took on water.

A number of boat rental companies provide mobile telephones to the hundreds, if not thousands, of people who rent pleasure cruisers weekly. What is the Minister's opinion on VHF equipment, the usage of which on the boats in question has been recommended because it is safer and more effective and efficient than using mobile telephones?

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