David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 157: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the number of EU nationals who have been issued with certificates of equivalent competency by his Department each year since 2000 and to date in 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27302/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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: The number of certificates of equivalent competency issued between the years 2001 and 2005 to date is as shown in the following tables. These certificates are issued in compliance with the requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, STCW, which came into effect in 2001. Prior to 2001 there was no mechanism in place under STCW to issue certificates of equivalent competency. Ireland recognises all mercantile marine certificates of competency issued by EU member states and by certain other Administrations with which it has reciprocal agreements. In accordance with the convention, Ireland issues certificates of equivalent competency to those seafarers, duly qualified, who wish to serve on Irish merchant ships.