James Carroll (Fianna Fail)

I know Senator Mary White has taken on this issue and it is one on which I will also campaign. While mandatory requirements for ships and trawlers will be put in place, I would like voluntary codes of practice to be introduced before moving to full mandatory procedures.

The legislation covers many vessels, from large tankers to jet skis. It will, for example, regulate construction rules, from passenger vessels to cargo ships, survey and radio rules, the carrying of chemical tanker fuels and high speed craft. It will also strengthen regulatory provisions to improve maritime safety.

Another element of the legislation, touched on by Senator McCarthy, concerns the raising of sunken vessels. While there is no express provision in statute for this, the Bill will provide for new parameters to allow different actions to be taken in this regard.

Section 36 will provide for the giving of the force of law to the Maritime Labour Convention 2006. This is key to the employment and social rights of seafarers on Irish ships and to ensure there are proper working conditions. The final draft of the Bill contains a provision for a commencement order in this regard in section 36, which I welcome.

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation may need to make regulations for the Bill's employment aspects. As Senators Ellis and McCarthy pointed out, ship workers' conditions are a source of serious concern for many. I hope we can put in place procedures and structures which will protect them at all times.

The Bill will confirm and validate the actions of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board after it was found its original commencement order was defective. The Attorney General gave advice on this matter.

I welcome the introduction of the Bill and look forward to further debating certain aspects of it on Committee Stage. I hope it will have a swift passage through the House.