John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 187: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the security arrangement submitted by Waterford Port authorities for a pilot boat at Passage East, County Waterford, are completely inadequate considering that the boat must be moved to an open access quay on windy days. [24300/04]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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New security requirements, which take the form of the international ship and port facility code to enhance maritime security worldwide on ships and at ship-port interface areas entered into force on 1 July 2004. To standardise arrangements across the European Union, the requirements were codified into EU Regulation 725/2004. The code outlines mandatory security requirements for governments, port facilities and shipping companies. My Department has overall responsibility for ensuring implementation of the measures for Irish vessels and the port facilities serving them. My Department's maritime safety directorate co-ordinates and supervises the implementation of the code and has advised all relevant parties of their obligations under it.

The Waterford Port Company is the responsible authority for security arrangements for pilot boats operating in Waterford Port. I cannot disclose any confidential information with regard to any aspect of individual ship or port security plans. However, I have been informed that the arrangements now in place for the pilot boat are adequate for all weather conditions.