#MaritimeConvention -Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, and the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, have announced this week the ratification by Ireland of the Maritime Labour Convention, which sets standards for working and living conditions for seafarers.

The Convention will improve working and living conditions for ship workers making the maritime sector more socially responsible.

This means that from 21 July 2015, Ireland will be a party to the Convention and will implement the requirements contained therein, both for Irish-flagged ships and for international ships calling at Irish ports.

In the meantime, work is progressing on the inspection and certification of Irish ships in preparation for entry into force of the Convention for Ireland.

A Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance – Part I has been issued to all Irish-flagged vessels of 500 Gross Tonnage or more which operate internationally, and ship owners have completed a Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance – Part II.

Work is also underway on preparing for port State control inspections for foreign-flagged ships in Ireland when the Convention enters into force here.

Minister Donohoe said: 'I am delighted that Ireland has now ratified this Convention, which underlines our commitment to maritime safety and to improved living and working conditions for seafarers. Implementation of the Convention will improve Ireland's international maritime reputation, as well as ensuring that seafarers enjoy better conditions, and that the shipping sector generally becomes a more secure and socially responsible sector'.

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, whose Department has overall responsibility for ILO matters, also welcomed the ratification, saying: 'I am very happy to welcome the ratification of this important international labour standard. This Convention will improve working and living conditions for workers on board ships and should lead to more secure, better-protected and responsible maritime employment. Ireland is fully behind the ILO's efforts to define international labour standards in this important sector'.