Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will make a statement on developments in the Irish Register of Shipping during 2004 and to date in 2005, outlining the monthly additions and deletions to the register during the period; if he will report on the overall work of the Irish maritime development office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14445/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The following tables outline developments in the register of Irish ships under the Mercantile Marine Act 1955, in accordance with details supplied to the Mercantile Marine Office during 2004 and to date in 2005:

The Irish maritime development office, IMDO, was established in 1999 and is a division within the Marine Institute. The office has a current complement of five core operational staff, made up of three permanent posts and two contract staff.

The shipping services sector is the largest employer of all maritime related industries in Ireland. It directly employs in excess of 8,150 people. It is estimated that the sector contributed €1.35 billion to the Irish economy in 2004.

The following are some of the key services provided by the IMDO to industry and the Department: expert policy advice to the Department on all commercial shipping and maritime economic policy issues and developments; main focal point for Irish shipping services providing daily support and advice to the industry; promoting Ireland as a maritime business centre, seeking foreign inward investment projects; organising and supporting industry workshops and seminars; promoting the development of maritime education in Ireland.