Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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290. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of Marine Survey Office staff that have been training in relation to human trafficking awareness or human trafficking indicators; to what level this training is provided; if this training is provided on an ongoing basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13434/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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In its role as maritime safety regulator, the Marine Survey Office (MSO) carries out surveys and inspections on all types of vessels for compliance with safety, security, pollution prevention and living and working conditions. These surveys and inspections are carried out on all Irish vessels wherever they may be and on foreign flagged vessels when calling to Irish ports. In carrying out its role, the priority for the MSO is to ensure the safety of the vessel, its crew and, where relevant, its passengers. In ensuring compliance with Irish and international maritime law with regard to working and living conditions of crew, the goal is to confirm that the employment and social rights of the crew are being implemented in line with those laws. Such maritime laws are applied equally to all crew members regardless of their nationality or immigration status.

The Marine Survey Office has no role with regard to enforcement of laws related to human trafficking, which is a matter for the Department of Justice.

Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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291. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of Airport police staff that have training in relation to human trafficking awareness or human trafficking indicators; to what level this training is provided; if this training is provided on an ongoing basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13435/23]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, daa has statutory responsibility to operate, manage and develop Dublin and Cork Airports. Airport police, as employees of the relevant airport, are "authorised officers"under the Air Navigation and Transport (Amendment) Act 1998, as amended. As such, matters in relation to staffing issues, including staff training are a matter for daa.

I have therefore forwarded your question to daa for direct reply. If the Deputy does not receive a response within ten working days, please advise my Private Office.