Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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7. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will bring the regulations governing the vessels used in the wind work boat industry into line with the European regulations to ensure Irish boat yards may avail of opportunities to supply vessels to Irish offshore wind energy projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46339/14]

Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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This question is related to the priority question on workers in the offshore industry. It relates to the provision of work boats to service the construction of offshore wind developments, where there is potential for substantial work to be given to Irish boat yards in building and supplying the work boats necessary for future developments.

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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The regulations which govern maritime safety issues are complex and varied and depend on many issues such as the type of the vessel used, its size, proposed operating area and other factors. I am unclear on the particular thrust of the Deputy’s question - I am sure he will clarify the matter in his supplementary question - but I can confirm that Ireland applies the internationally recognised standards to vessels servicing the offshore renewables sector, namely, the standards of the International Maritime Organisation’s conventions governing such vessels and the relevant European regulations in this area.

In the main, the relevant conventions are the IMO SOLAS Convention, the International Load Line Convention and the EU Passenger Ship Directive 2009/45. In cases relating to vessels carrying fewer than 12 passengers, domestic legislation, that is, statutory instruments, applies. Subject to compliance with the relevant conventions and regulations to which I have referred, no restrictions apply to Irish boat yards in the supply of vessels for the offshore wind farm sector. In the case of vessels flying the Irish flag, my Department which acts as the safety regulator for the maritime sector has arrangements in place for surveying vessels. The larger vessels will be surveyed by a recognised organisation or, in the case of smaller vessels, the Department will undertake the work. Vessels meeting the required standards will be issued with the relevant convention certificates appropriate to the type of vessel in question. Similarly, a foreign flagged vessel in Ireland will need to comply with the international conventions and Irish regulations, as appropriate, to their intended operations.

Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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As I understand it, vessels built in Ireland for work in Irish waters cannot work in other waters. Similarly, vessels operating in other European jurisdictions cannot come to Ireland to work without making substantial alterations and modifications. This hampers Irish boat yards in being able to provide vessels that can work across Europe and also avail of offshore opportunities in Irish waters. The matter is similar to the training issue for staff that I raised; the Department should re-examine the matter to ensure Irish boat yards will be in a position to avail of the opportunities that present. I understand that if developments take place on the Irish Sea, up to 40 vessels could be required at short notice and that following the construction period, there will be an ongoing requirement for vessels to carry out maintenance works. There is an opportunity, of which we should be prepared to avail.

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I suggest the next step to take is similar to what I proposed in response to the Deputy's priority question. The Deputy evidently has groups or constituents with considerable expertise in the area who believe there is an opportunity in this regard. If they have ideas on how the country could best take advantage of the opportunity, I am very open to their input. The Deputy has outlined that this is a very important part of the offshore economy and the potential for it is increasing in this country and likely to grow elsewhere. The Irish maritime sector should be well placed to take advantage.

I am sure the Deputy is aware that the key issue in the application of regulations is the flag a vessel bears. If a vessel bears the Irish flag, it must comply with Irish maritime safety regulations.

All of the relevant regulations that we have laid down are recognised by the international marine organisations and the EU and give ships flagged as Irish the best opportunities on our own shores and abroad.