Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I welcome the legislation. I remember speaking in the other House, over four years ago, about the merchant shipping Bill, when it was incorporated, part of which related to jet skis. At that time local authorities were seen to be involved. I expressed reservations then as to how the legislation would be enforced. I still have reservations as regards enforcement although I know some local authorities, including the Minister of State's in Wexford, took a decision to ban jet skis from many of their beaches. That is something to which many places will probably resort. Jet skis are expensive to buy. They are glorified motor bikes which can travel on water at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. While people under 16 years of age are banned from using them a difficulty arises in that users are not required to undergo any type of prescribed safety training. There are various organisations which provide such training and those who purchase jet skis usually people in the 18 to 30 age bracket, should have to undertake safety training before using them. People who drive motorbikes and cars are required to undertake training. It is regrettable that we tend to focus on such issues when tragedy strikes. There was a sad tragedy in Youghal last year when a 15 year old boy died following an accident between his jet ski and a power-boat.

Enforcement of this legislation will rest with the Garda Síochána. However, the Garda is deployed in other activities and may not have the time to police it. Reference was also made to possible involvement by the Irish Coastguard Service. That may be the best body to police the legislation given its involvement in activities around the coast and the fact that many of its members act in a voluntary capacity. The level of tragedy in America involving jet skis, where the boom has continued for some time, is approximately eight times that experienced by European countries. There is a great deal of concern about their use.

The Minister of State mentioned a €2,000 fine and seizure in certain cases for breaches of the legislation. Anyone who has visited the Continent will know the use of jet skis is restricted to certain areas away from beaches. The noise of a jet ski which sounds like a lone lawnmower winding up with the noise escalating out of all proportion, can disturb the tranquillity of a beach on a calm evening. They also cause a great deal of fear among people. I accept the Minister is trying to introduce controls in this area, which is an important first step in dealing with the issue.

There has been a great deal of comment about safety training for people taking out yachts, power-boats and other vessels. It should be incumbent on the suppliers of these machines, usually to those in the 18 to 30 year old bracket, to insist on safety training courses for those operating them. If we started from that basis then those operating such equipment would behave more responsibly. The use of jet skis in Ireland is not a widespread phenomenon. However, given the affluent society in which we now live many people can afford to purchase jet skis or nautical motorbikes, as I have referred to them on previous occasions.

While I welcome the introduction of the legislation I am concerned about its enforcement following enactment. I am also concerned about Garda involvement given deployment in other activities. It is probable that the tourism industry will seek to ban the use of jet skis on our beaches. Such a ban is necessary given that many young people use the beaches. Many holiday destinations abroad have zoned particular areas for the use of jet skis. While they are located away from beaches one often encounters the macho man with high testosterone levels speeding up towards them. The noise of these vehicles disturb the tranquillity of our seaside. I suggest that if they are not banned completely they should be restricted to areas not used by swimmers and so on. I am extremely concerned about their use in any area. I would be happier if the Minister of State recommended in the legislation that suitable safety training be introduced for those wishing to use these craft. Currently, a person can purchase a jet ski with the minimum amount of safety training in terms of the use and power of the craft and can then take it out on the water.

The legislation is a step in the right direction. Local authorities will act responsibly in this matter and will, in many cases, ban the use of jet skis from beaches. That may have to happen. One has sometimes to be cruel to be kind. If they are to be used, they should be used in controlled areas.