David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Minister for Justice and Equality, I again thank the Senator for providing the opportunity to discuss this very important issue during this debate today. I am very happy to pass the Senator's comments and suggestions to the Minister and to the other Ministers who have responsibilities in the area of maritime safety and extreme weather.

As I said, the best outcome for all would be for no such incidents to occur in the first place. Prevention is better than cure. In this context, the Coast Guard undertakes a variety of campaigns designed to target particular audiences, in respect of safety at sea in particular. These take the form of media awareness campaigns in the main. The Coast Guard participates in joint initiatives with other maritime bodies. One such initiative is www.safetyonthewater.ie, which aims to promote safe behaviour and practice. This website is a valuable tool to communicate advice and guidance online to the public. It should not, however, take a media campaign for people to know that they should be nowhere near the water during the worst storm on record ever to hit the country. It is a question of personal responsibility. I repeat that the Government is open to hearing any proposal on how and whether this matter should be addressed. I will report back on the points the Senator has made today. This overall issue is one which might be looked at and should be looked at on an all-party basis.