Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 115: To ask the Minister for Transport the number of Irish fishing vessels that are affected by the new health and safety regulations introduced by his Department; the number of vessels that had complied by the deadline of 30 September 2010; the number of vessels which had not complied by the deadline; if he will grant an exemption for inshore boats; if he will extend the State decommissioning scheme to those boat owners who cannot afford the cost of implementing the new regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36896/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The development of safety regulations for fishing vessels dates back to the Fishing Vessel Safety Review group, which reported in 1996. One key recommendation made by that group was for the establishment of a safety regime for fishing vessels covering stability, strength, hull and machinery. Following several fishing vessel tragedies in 2007 efforts focused on the development of a scheme for the fishing vessels in the 15 to 24m length category. My Department developed regulations for such vessels based on international standards and these regulations were subject to extensive public consultations, following, which the regulations entered into force in September of that year. The Department of Transport as the maritime safety regulator does not regulate or control the number of fishing vessels; this function is carried out by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Compliance with the safety regulations is only required for those fishing vessels which wish to operate. Consequently, the Department of Transport only maintains figures for fishing vessels, which have been issued with or made contact with the Department for certificates.

The new regulations apply to fishing vessels in the 15m to 24m length category on a phased basis from 2007.

On 1 October 2010 a total of 81 fishing vessels had been issued with a safety certificate or clearance for such and since then a further 8 vessels have received clearance.

In addition, a further 43 vessel owners have contacted the Department with a view to achieving a certificate, and the Marine Survey Office is processing these. From contacts between officials of my Department and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food there may still be 20 or so older vessels that have not made contact. It is a matter for each vessel owner in question to do so if it is his or her intention to continue to use the vessel.

The regulations are focused on the main safety issues for fishing vessels including the integrity of the hull and vessel stability. Such requirements are fundamental to the safety of all fishing vessels and apply to inshore boats as for others.

Any decommissioning scheme for fishing vessels would be a matter for the Minister of Agriculture Fisheries and Food and I have no function in that regard.