Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

The key issue is that Members are considering safety and that while this is good legislation, they must consider the recommendations of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board's reports and must examine the reasons the regulations were not enforced.

The second issue pertains to the question of disability access. All Members will concur that making provision and facilities for those who have a disability in respect of transport is highly important. It makes a significant contribution to the rights of individuals to travel on vessels without being disadvantaged by their disability and whatever must be done should be done to assist them. However, there appears to be a lacuna in the information on this Bill and the regulatory impact analysis thereon pertaining to the question of cost. What will be the cost to the State, shipowners and to the community in respect of financial changes and so on? To phrase this point constructively, the Minister, on Committee State, should outline exactly how this measure will be put into operation.

A new regulatory regime is proposed that obviously must be enforced. Consequently, I presume new structures will be established within the Department of Transport and I am certain the cost will be significant. While all Members welcome this and I am not being critical of being obliged to spend money to improve safety at sea, the Minister should outline how he intends to enforce this legislation. Who will enforce it and what will be the cost implications for the taxpayer? I again stress that I welcome this is happening because ultimately, merchant shipping will be much safer on foot of this legislation.

While there is more to be said, I will leave some of it for my colleague, Deputy Broughan, and others. While I do not make this point as a criticism, legislation that is as important as this Bill probably needs more consultation and time before it is finalised. Although Fine Gael does not have a problem with a Second Stage debate, this will be required to get to the nub of issues pertaining to safety at sea and the reports of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board to make our vessels safer in order that lives are not lost needlessly and wasted. If significant issues exist on which the Marine Casualty Investigation Board has made recommendations which are not yet in law, I would like to examine them. In general however, Fine Gael welcomes the Bill and its intent. While Fine Gael will support it, we will require detailed and fine analysis as to the true position at present.

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