Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 159: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he plans to take new initiatives on water safety in view of the increase in incidents at sea involving pleasure craft; his views on whether a new awareness campaign is required to remind the public of the dangers involved in coastal activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3588/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Since the establishment of the maritime safety directorate in 2002, a number of important initiatives have been taken or are being taken to strengthen the maritime safety regime, particularly in relation to leisure craft.

A Maritime Safety Bill to provide the necessary powers to assist local authorities in adopting regulations against the improper use of certain fast powered craft such as jet skis in waters within their jurisdiction has been published and is at an advanced stage.

A new code of practice for safety on recreational craft has been published for consultation to assist owners and operators of recreational craft. The code sets out in one comprehensive document current legislative requirements and recommended best practice regarding the safe operation of recreational craft in inland and coastal areas. I intend to launch this code shortly.

In general, I regard the provision of targeted safety information to be a very important method of promoting maritime safety. This year the Department will undertake a radio campaign over the three bank holiday weeks in the summer promoting safety measures for leisure craft users. In addition, the coast guard will undertake an "at sea" advisory programme in selected areas where water-based leisure activities are significant. Under this programme, introduced for the first time last summer, coastguard coastal units will undertake water based patrols to monitor and advise leisure craft users on the requirements for wearing life jackets and other safety issues. Throughout 2005, the Irish Coastguard will also attend various events around the coast providing advice and marine safety demonstrations to the public. I will continue to examine any initiatives which will increase the public's awareness of marine safety and help save lives.