34 Mr. Cox asked the Minister for the Marine the requirements, if any, there are in respect of crew qualification on Irish-registered ships that non-Irish crew members be proficient in the English language.

66 Mr. Cullen asked the Minister for the Marine the conditions that are required by non-EC residents in respect of working on Irish ships.

I propose taking Questions Nos. 34 and 66 together.

Non-EC resident serving as deck and engineer officers on Irish flagged vessels are required to hold certificates of competency issued by the Irish authorities or, alternatively, certificates of competency from countries with whom the State has reciprocal recognition arrangements, which are currently the UK and a number of former Commonwealth countries.

Ratings of all nationalities may serve on Irish flagged vessels provided they are qualified seamen and hold watchrating certificates as required by the standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Convention, 1978.

All deck and engineer officers on Irish flagged vessels must demonstrate proficiency in English in order to obtain certificates of competency. A good understanding of the English language by all other crew members is always recommended by the Department in the interests of ensuring correct and timely communication and understanding of messages and instructions.