David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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822. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to the decision of the Marine Survey Office, MSO, to hold 400 certificates in abeyance for training courses here (details supplied). [22105/16]

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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825. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the engagement with the National Maritime College of Ireland on accreditation of mariners refresher courses which are vital to continue work at the NMCI; when the courses will be approved by his Department; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22130/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 822 and 825 together.

My Department had a number of concerns, including legal and jurisdictional concerns, in relation to certain courses being provided at the NMCI. As I have already indicated to the House, following discussions last week between officials of my Department and the course provider, arrangements are in place for addressing on an urgent basis the approval of the relevant training courses.

Provisional approval for all the courses concerned was issued from my Department on Friday, and officials from the MSO are in the College today to conduct assessments of delivery with a view to final approval. I understand that these assessments are proceeding satisfactorily.