Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will report on the implementation of the Maritime Labour Convention and the way it will benefit maritime workers; his views on increasing the number of marine surveyors and inspectors operating in ports here in view of the recent reports from senior officials (details supplied) on the bad conditions in which many mariners are forced to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28409/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland has been an active supporter of negotiations on the International Labour Organisation's Maritime Labour Convention in its efforts to promote global labour standards for seafarers. The Convention will enter into force twelve months after 30 Member States representing 33% of the world's tonnage have ratified the convention. The latest information is that five Member States representing 44% of the world's tonnage have ratified the convention.

The recently published Merchant Shipping Bill 2009 contains provisions to enable Ireland to ratify the Convention. The Convention will benefit seafarers as it contains provisions relating to the living and working conditions on board ships in terms of food, accommodation and hours of work but does not include rates of pay. It also introduces a certification scheme to ensure compliance by all flag States.

The number of Surveyors in my Department has recently been increased to thirty one by the recruitment of seven new Surveyors who will be involved in inspections on the enforcement of the Convention.