Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

The new section 22 complements the new section 21. It makes clear provision in primary legislation for prohibiting persons while on board a vessel in Irish waters and any Irish ships in waters anywhere from consuming alcohol or drugs or both which could endanger other persons on board the vessel or on the water or cause a nuisance. The person in command or charge of the vessel is obliged to ensure compliance with that prohibition. Subsection (3) provides for a fine and-or imprisonment on conviction by the court for an offence under subsection (1). These provisions in primary legislation were recommended by the Office of the Attorney General so as to avoid challenge to the prohibition.