John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the action which he intends to take following the situation where 13 periwinkle pickers were left stranded on Colt Island; if an inspector from his Department has inspected the boat which took the group to the island; if the boat in question has a correct marine passenger licence; the restrictions which are in place regarding those who can be granted passenger licences for boats; the way in which these restrictions are policed; the clearance that is required to take boats to islands such as Colt Island; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34377/05]

Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the role of his Department in the recent incident of migrant workers being abandoned on Colt Island off north County Dublin; if a date has been set for the provision of an emergency towing vehicle to protect mariners around the Irish coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34357/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 and 147 together.

The Department's specific role in the incident involving a group of people found stranded on an island off the coast of Skerries, County Dublin, was twofold. The first priority was to ensure that rescue services answered the emergency call and brought the persons safely to shore. This operation was carried out successfully and, thankfully, without any loss of life. I also immediately initiated an investigation into this incident to determine if the vessel used to transport the people to the island was certified or licensed in compliance with the relevant maritime safety legislation. The maritime safety directorate of the Department is currently carrying out this investigation and I cannot comment any further on this matter until the report is completed.

However, it is the Department's policy to prosecute any person who operates a passenger vessel for reward without a valid licence or certificate. A conviction upon indictment in such an instance could result in a fine not exceeding €100,000 or imprisonment for up to two years or both.

While the Department has no involvement with the arrangements and schedules that may exist for boats going to islands such as Colt Island, the Merchant Shipping Act 1992 requires that any vessel used to carry passengers should hold a valid passenger ship certificate or passenger boat licence. The Department issues both passenger ship certificates and passenger boat licences to vessel owners following the completion of a satisfactory survey to ensure that the vessel is seaworthy and safe and that it has the appropriate safety equipment on board. The Department can also impose operational restrictions for safety reasons on vessels and operators specific to local conditions and areas where vessels operate.

Marine surveyors who inspect vessels to ensure that they are complying with the safety standards laid down carry out the enforcement of regulations. The Coast Guard and the Garda also have a role to play in this regard.

Under the certification and licensing regimes, the Department undertakes a variety of control measures, including detailed vessel surveys and unannounced operational inspections. Licence and certificate conditions relating to manning levels, maximum passenger numbers allowed and the continued availability of safety equipment are among the issues the inspectors focus on.

The position regarding the provision of an emergency towing vessel, ETV, is that the Department is continuing to examine how proposals to provide an ETV capacity to protect the coast from the consequences of major oil pollution and vessel stranding can be pursued, having regard in particular to the very significant costs involved and the cost benefits associated with such a facility.