Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Transport if he has any plans to establish an Irish shipping fleet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2268/11]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland has a merchant shipping fleet and the present fleet consists of some thirty ships, over 500 GT, with an average age of less than seven years. These ships are privately owned, except for those of the Marine Institute and the Commissioners of Irish Lights. The standard of ship flying the Irish flag is high and Irish ships are very well regarded internationally. Ireland is currently ranked in 8th position on the "White List" of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the main league table for shipping states.

The international maritime regulators are increasing the requirements for shipping and from the 1st of January 2011 the Paris MoU introduced a new inspection regime. Under this scheme in order for a ship to qualify as a "Low Risk" ship it must fly the flag of a State which is on the "White List" and which has completed the International Maritime Organisation's Audit. Ireland met both of these criteria by the deadline of 1 January 2011, and was one of only 22 States worldwide out of a possible 169 which complied.

This "Low-Risk" status has significant benefits for ships flying the Irish flag. Such ships will be subject to a significantly reduced inspection and regulatory burden. They will also benefit from advantages in the charter market where such status enhances the selection of ships and the charter rates. My policy is for Ireland to remain on the "White List" and to retain the "Low Risk" status. Therefore ships seeking to register must meet and maintain the required standards.