Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

According to my Department's report, in July 2010 the Department had sent a number of queries to the manufacturer's agent on foot of concerns about EPIRB defects arising from possible tampering or improper battery replacement. In the ensuing examination, no evidence emerged that suggested a serious defect within the equipment type such as that associated with the microprocessor finding as determined recently. There is no crossover between the issue raised in 2010 and the issue that emerged in 2013.

The mandatory carrying of EPIRBs is specified for certain categories of vessels, including fishing vessels and other international and domestic operating ships. As part of the vessel surveying process, checks are undertaken to see that the EPIRB is in place and operating. Aside from the survey, it remains the operator's responsibility to ensure that the EPIRB remains fully functional, including undertaking periodic self-checks. My Department will continue to examine EPIRBs on vessels as part of its normal surveying and will continue to issue marine notices to remind vessel owners to undertake the necessary periodic self-checks in line with manufacturers' recommendations. A marine notice addressing this matter was issued by my Department on 29 July.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

I am aware that concerns have been raised recently regarding EPIRBs in the context of the tragic loss of the MFV Dean Leanne earlier this year. I can make no comment at all as the Marine Casualty Investigation Board, MCIB, is currently carrying out its investigation and I await its report.

I am acutely aware of the number of tragedies occurring around our coastline and the lives that have been devastated by the loss of loved ones. We have the highest ever allocation - €67.9 million - for the Coast Guard in 2014, which will cover critical helicopter search and rescue services. I am also developing a new maritime safety strategy, as I am keen to build greater awareness about safety and the measures we can take together to help reduce risks. The central goal of the new safety strategy will be to reduce deaths and injuries, since each life lost at sea is one too many. I plan to launch my consultation paper shortly.

Last July, my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Coveney, and I launched a new safety initiative for fishing vessels. A key element in the initiative involves making personal locator beacons, PLBs, a requirement for each crew member. Shortly, my Department will also launch an updated code of practice for safety fishing vessels of less than 15 m in length. The code is also being amended to make it a mandatory requirement that all fishing vessels of less than 12 m will be required to carry an automatic float free EPIRB. The code will also provide for enhanced safety training, which will be provided by Bord Iascaigh Mhara, BIM. Additionally, BIM will provide funding to fishermen to fit this new equipment.

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