Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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34. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31796/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy will be aware, maintaining transport connectivity to support the movement of goods into and out of Ireland is a primary objective of Government.  Hauliers play a critical role in this regard and their vital work means that essential goods and medical supplies continue to be provided.  The essential work of the haulage sector has also been recognised at a European level with the publication of the “Green Lanes” Communication on 23 March 2020.  In relation to safe practices for supply chain workers, the Government published COVID-19 Guidance for Supply Chain Workers on 26 March.

In relation to travel on ferries, a COVID-19 Agreed Protocol for international RoRo ships and terminal service operators has been put in place:  further  information is available on Covid-19 Agreed Maritime Protocol.  This protocol has due regard to the national guidance in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and maintain passenger safety and aims to ensure a broadly consistent approach by maritime transport providers to facilitate maritime passenger transport as safely as possible.

On the issue of single berth cabins for HGV drivers, this is essentially a matter between the HGV drivers and the ferry companies, and one on which the relevant road haulage representative organisations should engage directly with the ferry companies.

The issue of safety on board ships is a matter for the owners and operators of the ships and the relevant flag states.  There are no RoRo passenger ships on the Irish flag. Foreign-flagged RoRo passenger ships calling to Irish ports are subject to port state control for compliance with the requirements of the relevant international instruments, ref. EU Directive 2009/16, as amended.  SOLAS regulations, specifically Chapter II-1 Reg. 23.9, address the issue of drivers not accessing their vehicles on board vessels.   

In addition, all waterborne travel should operate in line with Para 60 of the European Commission’s Guidelines of 13 May.  These Guidelines only permit passengers to remain in their vehicles during voyages if these voyages are no longer than one hour in duration and only if vehicles are on open decks, unless additional safety measures are put in place.