Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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155. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if changes to legislation will be looked at when it comes to purchasing a boat for tour trips outside of Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17395/24]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The operation of vessels in Ireland requires compliance with a range of maritime safety and pollution prevention requirements as well as crew welfare and crew qualifications. The carriage of passengers on a vessel in Ireland requires the highest levels of maritime safety to ensure the safety of the travelling public. The purchase of a vessel is a private commercial transaction for an individual and they need to ensure that they comply with applicable Irish legislation. Unfortunately, there have been some previous cases where operators have purchased vessels abroad which appeared to be perfectly certified by the relevant authority abroad but the purchaser subsequently discovered that this was not the case when seeking to operate in Ireland. These cases have caused great financial distress for those involved and potentially placed seafarers at significant maritime risk.

It is for these reasons that any vessel intended for operation in Ireland must comply fully with the relevant Irish requirements. It is recommended that any prospective purchaser should engage competent maritime technical advice before purchase, and they should also contact the Marine Survey Office of my Department who will be able to provide information regarding the regulatory framework and requirements that apply in Ireland.