Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 276: To ask the Minister for Transport the legally required ratio of passengers to crew on ferries sailing between the mainland and the islands. [26349/07]

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 277: To ask the Minister for Transport if his Department has received complaints detailing breaches of the legally required ratio of passengers to crewmen on board ferries sailing between the mainland and the islands in the past twelve months; if so, the number of complaints received in this time period; the way they were investigated; the penalties that were imposed on those found guilty of breaches; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26351/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 276 and 277 together.

The number of crew members required to be onboard passenger ships operating to the islands of the state takes account of the number required to ensure the safe navigation of the vessel to effectively deal with any emergency situation that may occur onboard. The type of safety equipment carried is also taken into account.

As vessels carrying similar numbers of passengers can differ significantly in terms of onboard equipment, there is no generic minimum crew requirement and each vessel is considered on an individual basis before it is issued with a Passenger Certificate. During the last twelve months the Department has received reports detailing allegations against 4 passenger ships. In each case the Department's marine surveyors have investigated the reports or have assisted the Gardaí in following up on such complaints.

The Department's investigations in respect of one of these vessels concluded that the vessel was manned in accordance with the requirements of the regulations and no further action was required. In the case of two passenger ships, the investigations revealed that the vessels had proceeded to sea with less than the stipulated manning, but that no passengers were onboard during the voyages concerned. Verbal warnings were issued to the operators of these vessels. The investigation regarding the fourth vessel is still ongoing.