Cecilia Keaveney (Fianna Fail)

This matter is not unrelated to the previous business. It seems as if I have been tick tacking with the Minister, but that has not been the case because I have been trying to get his matter on the clár for a few weeks and it has only been chosen today.

The safety of personalised water craft, PWC, otherwise known as jet skis, is a serious issue. I am a water sports lover, although I am not a jet ski expert. I do not come at this issue from the perspective of banning all water sports, but I am conscious that if I had gone for a walk 30 minutes earlier a few weeks ago, I would have been a witness to a serious jet ski accident in my own region. I wish the teenager involved a speedy recovery. Her injuries are relatively serious and it is a cause of concern not only for her own family who are the most important but also for those who were on the beach that day.

That is part of the reason I am raising this issue. I have seen young people on high powered, lethal and dangerous vehicles. Driving a motorcycle at 50 mph along a particular trail will produce its share of thrills and excitement, but no responsible municipal government would tolerate it. Therefore, why should we not recognise that speed kills not only on land but also on the water and put PWC regulations in place? These are powerful fun devices, but one cannot put an old head on young shoulders. Therefore, we must examine licensing, the age profiles of those who use jet skis and the qualifications of those who lease or sell vehicles to the public. I do not refer only to the under age category because where adults are concerned, alcohol and water sports do not blend as well as some might think. The response locally following the recent accident was that an outright ban on these vehicles should be examined, but I do not agree with a ban on any water sports. We need beach management. There are places where people should be able to swim safely. There are also places where it would be safe for enthusiasts to use other water craft, but where different crafts are being used while people are swimming, it can become dangerous.

I read a few articles to see whether I was wrong about this. According to the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators in America, jet skis work differently from other boats. It states:

When the driver releases the throttle, he or she completely eliminates the ability to steer. Many new operators can forget this, particularly during potential collisions. Drivers should also remember that the jet ski drive propulsion system is extremely responsive to slight turns of the handlebars. The manoeuvring ease encourages drivers to try unusual stunts, sometimes causing accidents.

I could go through many reasons jet skis are different. In 1996 in America 4,099 PWCs were involved in recreational boating accidents, in which 1,831 people were injured and 57 were killed. I could go through all the facts and figures, but I do not need to fight that corner with the Minister because he understands the issue.

I do not agree that the issue should be referred back to local authorities for decision. A national lead needs to be given on the specifics; perhaps county and urban district councils could then make their own decisions. Zoning might be a local authority function, but we should not abdicate at national level responsibility for taking the more significant decisions. For example, should we establish prohibition or restricted zones? Should there be a minimum age requirement for operators? Should there be mandatory use of personal flotation devices? Should there be limits on hours of operation? Should exhaust or muffler system modifications be prohibited? Should we limit jumping in the wake of another vehicle or vessel? Should a minimum distance requirement with respect to other vehicles or piers be imposed? Should it be mandatory to operate a PWC in a reasonable or prudent manner and-or to prohibit operations in a reckless or dangerous manner? Should lanyard requirements be examined?

These questions need to be examined nationally rather than given over to county councils to address through by-laws. For example, Donegal County Council has a number of by-laws governing the issue, but an accident which could have resulted in death in my own area is not the specific reason I raised the issue. Anybody who looks at a motorbike, car or horse moving at speed considers them to be dangerous. Therefore, we must be as cautious regarding water craft in the context of health and safety, environmental and noise pollution in order that everyone can enjoy the fantastic facility we have.

There is massive potential for marine recreational activities. My area has not exploited this potential and we would love to see more investment in such activities. That is why it vital to ensure the rezoning is in place and there is a safe environment for young and old to participate in line with their abilities, using appropriate craft.