During Leader’s Questions in the Dáil today, Sinn Féin’s finance spokesperson, Pearse Doherty TD, began by expressing sympathy with the coastal community of Passage East and Dunmore East which is mourning three brothers: Paul, Kenny and Shane Bolger.
“On behalf of Sinn Fein, and I’m sure all members of the Dáil, I offer my condolences to their families,” he said.
“Following the spate of recent tragedies at sea I understand the Department of Transport in conjunction with Bord Iascaigh Mhara was examining the issue of Personal Locator Beacons by fisherman, as an enhancement to existing safety measures.
“I understand that a series of recommendations on small-boat safety has been forwarded by the Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) over the years to the relevant agencies. “Last October in response to Senator David Cullinane the government indicated that the department would take steps to make the provision of Personal Locator Beacons mandatory under appropriate legislation. This was first signalled seven months earlier.
“Where is the progress on this? I think we can all agree that tragedies like this are happening far too often. Fishermen are finding it harder and harder to make a living. As a result they are risking their lives to try and support themselves and their families and we need to ensure that the very best of protections are available to these fishermen.
“I believe that the introduction of Personal Locator Beacons, while it may not prevent all such tragedies would nonetheless be a huge step forward in this area.
“This is about saving lives and ensuring that people who earn a living, often in dangerous situations are properly protected.”
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