Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Coastal communities have suffered more than most in recent years. We should follow the example of Iceland where, owing to the high safety standards employed, there are almost no fatalities at sea. In 2011, in this country there were 13 accidents involving vessels at sea. Six of these involved fishing vessels, three of which sank, resulting in five fatalities. Some 108 people died at sea between 2002 and 2011. Improved safety equipment, including personal location devices, would go a long way towards improving safety for citizens who make their living from the sea and for people participating in the maritime leisure industry. We need the equivalent of Gay Byrne, in his role in the Road Safety Authority, to act as champion for the fishing community. Perhaps the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, might assume that role.

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