Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

Section 20(5)(b) provides that if an Irish ship encounters a difficulty and has to be brought to a port in another state, the owner or master of the ship will be compelled to inform the relevant authorities of the position on the ship's certificate of fitness. Should the owner or master of the ship also be obliged to inform the chief surveyor of ships in Ireland, as well as the local authorities in the foreign port? Therefore, where an incident occurs in another jurisdiction involving an Irish ship which will be regulated under the Bill, the Department of Transport would be informed of it. If something occurs in another jurisdiction in breach of this legislation, at what point will the owner or master of the ship be compelled to inform the Department of the incident? If the owner or master of the ship inform the authorities where the incident occurs only, will he or she be in compliance with this provision?