Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 323: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has received and reviewed the new report into the capsizing and sinking of a boat (details supplied) by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board; his views on the report; if he will bring forward new measures or legislation in view of the conclusions of the MCIB's investigation into this disaster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39372/08]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I have recently received the report from the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) referred to by the Deputy.

The Report relates to the capsizing and sinking of the fishing vessel "Dinish" about 170 miles south west of the Scilly Isles with the loss of three lives. Six crewmembers and the Skipper were rescued. I welcome the report and its recommendations. In relation to fishing vessel safety generally it is important to emphasise that a comprehensive regulatory framework for fishing vessels has already been introduced to ensure a higher level of safety. This is being achieved over time through an approach that separates the fleet into three categories.

The first is less than 15 metres in length, where a non-statutory Code of Practice is in operation, the other two are 15 to 24 metres and over 24 metres and in both cases there is now a statutory regime in place.

As I have indicated previously, fishing vessel safety must rely not only on the introduction of regulations but also on compliance with them by skippers, owners and crew. This in turn may require not only specific training but also an increasingly rigorous regime of enforcement.