Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

I accept the Minister's bona fides with regard to the abuse of drugs and alcohol and as far as I am concerned, that is not at issue. However, this proposal is a recommendation of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board in one of its recent reports. With respect, I do not accept the points made by the Minister. There is no reason he cannot incorporate the same basic regime as will be incorporated tomorrow with regard to road safety. Members on all sides of the House are agreed on the charter to which we will sign up in that regard.

I am trying to get to the nub of the Minister's point. He is suggesting that what is being done internationally must become part of the international system before he will be happy to include it in his legislation. What we are saying is that the limits that apply in the road traffic legislation should apply on all of our mercantile ships. Can the Minister clarify why those provisions should not be included now? The Minister's argument relates to policies and primary legislation. It is clear where the Minister stands on the issue and I have no doubt of his stance. However, the proposal is a recommendation of the investigation unit that examines these issues. This is clearly an issue with regard to people in charge of ships or on watch who may have taken alcohol and be unfit to do the job they are doing and who put themselves and others at risk as a result.

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