Ciarán Cuffe (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party)
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Question 67: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent and purpose of the proposed new corporate vessel registration system which is being introduced as a new e-Government business application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19924/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am reviewing the legislative provisions underpinning the current arrangements for the registration of ships in Ireland under the Mercantile Marine Act 1955, as amended. My overall objective is to ensure that the register operates in the most efficient manner possible and fully reflects the needs of a modern shipping industry.

I also want to ensure that only those ships that conform to the highest international safety and operational standards will be allowed to fly the Irish flag.

As part of the review, the maritime safety directorate of the Department will shortly issue a consultation paper seeking views on the future operation of the register and the flag state policies that Ireland should pursue.

I encourage all interested parties to respond to the consultation paper and it is my intention to bring forward any proposals that are necessary to update the registration process and to ensure that the Irish flag remains one of the most respected in the world.