Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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58. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans for the equal recognition of mariner certification and training or to design a course that will provide equivalence to enable Irish fishermen avail of work opportunities in the offshore renewable sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22473/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​Ireland complies fully with its international and EU obligations in relation to the recognition of seafarer certifications as set out in both EU and international requirements.

Currently there is one small offshore renewable energy project in Ireland which is a wind farm located off the Arklow bank comprising of seven turbines. My Department has licensed and certified a number of vessels which are used to service this offshore energy project. Additionally, my Department also has a scheme for the qualifications of the crews of such vessels and full details are given in the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Boat Manning) Regulations 2005 together with Marine Notice No. 27 of 2005, Marine Notice No. 4 of 2006 and Marine Notice No. 1 of 2015.

Ireland does operate a scheme for fishers to qualify for the certain positions in the merchant fleet, details of which are set out in Marine Notice No. 2 of 2009 and Marine Notice No. 3 of 2009. 

At present there are no significant offshore renewable projects in Ireland other than the small wind farm mentioned above. Most of the work opportunities in this sector in Europe are in the North Sea and the vessels involved do not fly the Irish flag. As such vessels essentially operate on a national basis the requirements are set by each flag state themselves. Therefore, if an individual wishes to obtain a certificate to work on such vessels they should contact the relevant flag states of the relevant vessels who can then advise of the requirements.