Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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129. To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the actions that can be taken to address proposed cuts to pay and conditions for maritime workers in some companies operating on routes on the Irish Sea. [17402/14]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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In accordance with international maritime law and practice, the terms and conditions of employment for seafarers, including statutory rates of pay on ships, is a matter for the flag state where the ship is registered and the internal domestic legislation of that Country. They are, therefore, outside the remit of my Department.

The terms and conditions of employees on Irish registered vessels are governed by the provisions of Irish law whether in Irish territorial waters or on the high seas. Accordingly, the protections of the full range of Irish employment rights legislation are available to such workers. In addition, the services of the industrial relations machinery of the State are available to assist parties where disputes arise in relation to terms and conditions of employment.

Primary responsibility for maritime policy rests with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. In this context, if a vessel is not registered in Ireland, it will still be subject to port State control inspections in Ireland by the Marine Survey Office of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Such inspections cover safety, environment protection and International Labour Organisation Conventions.