David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, I tabled an Adjournment motion on the need for an enhanced GPS system for fishing vessels and fishermen. I was pleased with the response given by the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. He stated that the Minister is looking at introducing legislation that would make it mandatory for all fishing vessels to have the new enhanced GPS systems and for all fishermen to carry personal locator beacons. Such measures would lead to a significant improvement in safety. We are all aware of the high profile tragedies that took place off the southern coast and elsewhere in recent years. Boats sank and fishermen were lost but it took a long time to recover their bodies. The new system, if implemented, will ensure that the rescue services can quickly locate people when their boat gets into trouble and even if they are in the water. In tragic circumstances, such as when a fisherman drowns, it takes a long time for his or her body to sink. It sinks for a while, resurfaces and then sinks slowly and it can take three or four days for it to go below the level where GPS systems work. Obviously personal locator beacons would make it easier for rescue services to locate a body.

I call for a wider debate on marine safety. The Minister is preparing legislation on the subject. Anything that improves safety for fishing vessels, commercial fishing vessels and fishermen would help to prevent tragedies at sea. A debate here would give us an opportunity to have our say in advance of legislation being prepared by the Minister. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate. I know that he is aware of the tragedies that have taken place off the coast of Waterford.