Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 86, 88 and 89 together.

In Ireland, the requirements in relation to pilotage and pilot training in each port will differ based on their individual needs. Under the Harbours Acts 1996 to 2015, the ports are the pilotage authorities for their respective pilotage districts and it is a matter for individual ports to decide what is appropriate in terms of training and procedures for marine pilots within their respective areas of authority. Pilots or licensed contractors who provide pilotage services are required to meet these standards. For those reasons the Department of Transport does not set standards for the training or licensing of marine pilots and on that basis, I do not plan to introduce any changes to the Harbours Acts regarding standardisation of marine pilotage.

Regarding the recommendations on training and certification set out in IMO Resolution A.960 in relation to marine pilotage, the Marine Survey Office has advised that these are recommendations and are not binding. As already indicated, it is a matter for ports to determine appropriate training standards for pilots within their respective areas of authority.