Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Fianna Fáil supports this Bill and agreed to its passage in the Seanad. As an island nation, Ireland is heavily dependent on the merchant shipping industry. The current proposals were initiated in 2008 when then Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, launched a national consultation on the registration of vessels with the objective of developing a modern, comprehensive central register. In particular, Fianna Fáil welcomes the fact this Bill will require registration of jet skis in Irish waters for the first time.

We need to ensure our regulations surrounding the merchant shipping sector are effective, straightforward and promote good practice on our seas. The majority of goods and services which we import into this country are carried by ship here. Shipping lanes and the ships which carry those goods and services are the lifeblood of our economy. As such, they must be regulated in the most comprehensive fashion. For our economy to remain competitive, the ships which transport our goods to the world and which import goods from other countries must be allowed play on a level playing field. The legislation before the House goes some way in updating the Statute Book to ensure our shipping sector is governed by laws which reflect the needs of the 21st century.

We welcome the purpose of this Bill and agree with the need to update, restate and clarify the law on the registration of vessels. Ship registration is an important process for an island nation. It is important our ships, as well those which enter our waters, are documented, flagged and given nationality. The fact the nationality of a ship allows a ship to travel internationally as it is proof of ownership of the vessel is a key aspect in controlling the fleet of ships in this country. The ship registration in question applies to both domestic and international ships. On this front, it is vitally important the registration fees surrounding merchant shipping are kept in line with the international standard so as not to disadvantage Irish-registered ships in this competitive sector.

Fianna Fáil welcomes the Bill's expansion of the categories of vessels to be registered. In particular, we welcome the inclusion of jet skis, given the many incidents which have threatened the safety of people using the sea. Will the Minister outline further what controls, if any, will be introduced surrounding the use of jet skis? Up to 123 people lost their lives in shipping or boating accidents between 2002 and 2012. It is important to recognise and regulate dangerous activity on our waters and take steps to prevent same. Members are familiar with the misuse of jet skis in coastal areas and on our inland waterways. If I recall correctly, local authorities can introduce by-laws to deal with the misuse of jet skis which can cause much annoyance to other water users. The fine weather we are having will obviously bring out people who want to enjoy leisure activities on the water. It will also bring out those who use jet skis. It is vitally important appropriate sanctions are in place to deal with those who act in a way that is a nuisance to other water users.

I note the chief executive of Irish Water Safety, John Leech, stated it has been calling for the registration of jet skis for more than 15 years. It is good to see that finally that will happen. Jet skis are extremely powerful and can accelerate as fast as a motorbike. If used improperly, they can be terribly dangerous. Many of the people who use them have no training whatsoever, which has resulted in deaths and numerous injuries, not just to users but others in their vicinity.

It is important registration is not seen as an end in itself surrounding maritime safety. The resources must be made available to ensure good maritime practice is observed and that the Bill’s legislative provisions are enforced. Will the Minister assure the House of these matters before the end of Second Stage?

The key elements of the Bill are necessary updates to existing legislation. We welcome the new planned central system for registration of ships. We hope this will make ship registration more efficient and provide a more complete and comprehensive database for the State authorities. The repeal, replacement and updating of the existing legislation, primarily the Mercantile Marine Act 1955, is also well overdue. The fact registration lasts the first time for five years, and on satisfactory completion and renewal for ten-year periods thereafter, makes sense. It is a straightforward way of ensuring the register is up to date.

The emphasis surrounding the national colours for a registered Irish ship are necessary. It is often disappointing to see some of our vessels do not seem to take pride in the national flag and fail to display it on their ships. As a nation which fought so hard for our independence, the display of our national flag should be a matter in which we take care and pride. I welcome the provision outlining the necessity that the flag must be hoisted for identification purposes. The application of these legislative provisions to foreign ships in Irish waters and ports is also welcome.

I note the Irish Sailing Association, ISA, welcomed the publication of the Bill, stating: "The ISA has for a long time been campaigning for a statutory register that may be made available for recreational craft as required." It is important to get the relevant stakeholders to buy into this legislation fully and ensure they are aware of what is required from them when this Bill is passed. Will the Minister explain how he intends to interact with those stakeholders to ensure they are familiar with all the Bill’s legislative aspects? Recreational crafts and transport vessels need to be made aware of the changes that will be implemented.

I hope the Minister will ensure the legislative provisions which affect foreign-registered ships will be publicised in a way to ensure awareness and compliance. I reiterate the support of my party for what the Minister is doing with the legislation before the House. I hope he will take on board my comments which are intended to be helpful and constructive and commend him on the work he has carried out on this legislation so far.

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