Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
290. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Transport 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]
View answerIn 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.
