Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 404: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on the concerns of fishermen in County Waterford regarding the code of practice for fishing vessels under 15 m (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34322/04]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 422: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if, in regard to the prescription drugs list as per the code of practice for small fishing boats, he has satisfied himself regarding the medical safety and the securities issues regarding their use and storage on small fishing boats; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1601/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 404 and 422 together.

I have noted the Deputy's concerns and confirm that the requirements in the code of practice relating to sea survival courses are statutory requirements set out in the Fishing Vessel (Basic Safety Training) Regulations 2001, SI 587 of 2001. Under these regulations, all crew members of fishing vessels must undertake basic safety training before going to sea in the case of new entrants and in the case of serving crew members in accordance with a timeframe based on age.

The list of prescription drugs contained in the code of practice for fishing vessels of less than 15 m in length is taken from the European Communities (Minimum Safety and Health Requirements for Improved Medical Treatment on Board Vessels) Regulations 1997, SI 506 of 1997. Inadvertently, a table on antidotes was included in the sixth annex of the code. It is acknowledged that this is not an appropriate requirement for fishing vessels.

The majority of fishing vessels covered by the code of practice are only required to carry medical supplies similar to that carried on board a life raft and this list, as such, is not too onerous. The panel of surveyors approved to carry out the surveys on fishing vessels of less than 15 m has been informed of this and is fully aware that the requirement to carry antidotes will not be a prerequisite for compliance with the code. My Department is updating its website, www.DCMNR.ie, with this information.