Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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1606. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on the work of the Irish Maritime Development Office, IMDO, over the past four years and on the size of the Irish shipping registry for each of those years; the plans of the IMDO to develop the role of the Irish merchant fleet and ports here over the next decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1524/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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The Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) is a dedicated maritime development agency, representing the focal point for maritime business in Ireland. It operates under the aegis of the Marine Institute, reporting to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine. The IMDO is a provider of research and information on the maritime sector and undertakes work on behalf of my Department on a number of issues relating to promoting the development of Irish shipping and shipping services. The IMDO provides business development assistance to existing and potential investors, support for maritime education and training, and the provision of economic data on Ireland's shipping market, by way of weekly and quarterly reports, culminating in an annual publication - the Irish Maritime Transport Economist. The IMDO produces other reports as appropriate, such as the Irish Tonnage Tax Report 2015 and the Ship Finance Report 2015. The IMDO acts as Ireland's designated Shortsea Promotion Centre in line with EU policy, providing independent advice and guidance to ports on EU funding initiatives. The IMDO also played a key advisory role to my Department in the development of National Ports Policy and assists in the implementation of that Policy. A full report on current and past IMDO activities can be obtained from the IMDO or the Marine Institute.

The internationally trading Irish merchant shipping fleet numbered approximately 35 vessels (greater than 500 gross tonnage) at the end of 2016. There were a similar number of vessels registered in 2014 and 2015, and 37 vessels registered in 2013. 

Ireland carries liabilities with every ship on its register, each of which must meet and maintain required standards. This means that the State must manage and resource any expansion carefully to ensure the record and reputation of the Irish flag is maintained, an issue is kept under ongoing review by both my Department and the IMDO.