Water safety - Delay in signing bill astonishing

It beggars belief that, despite government campaigns to promote safety at sea and in water-related sports, three Marine Ministers over the span of 10 years have failed to sign enabling legislation on safety.

Yesterday, a father whose son died tragically in a canoeing accident felt compelled to protest outside the Department of the Marine at the disgraceful delay in introducing the legislation.

The situation is compounded by the fact that the bill to enact the legislation - to police standards within the adventure-centre business - has been passed by the Dáil, signed by the President and the money allocated.