Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 7 September 2026
558. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport whether there are plans to review and modernise the design and security features of the Irish Seafarer’s Discharge Book; and when the document was last reviewed or updated. [63331/26]
View answer567. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Transport if the Department will review and update the design and security features of the Irish Seafarer's Discharge Book, having regard to concerns that the current document is outdated and lacks the security features common to comparable documents issued by other maritime states; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63398/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 558 and 567 together.
A Seafarer’s Discharge Book serves the purpose of recording a seafarer’s engagement on board a ship and their lawful discharge from that ship under the Merchant Shipping Acts. A discharge book serves as an indicator of the sea service performed on ships by a seafarer. Further information on the application procedure for a Seafarer's Discharge Book is available on my Department's dedicated website: "www.seafarers.ie". It should be noted that individual discharge papers may also be issued in respect of an engagement on a particular ship and this period of time may not be recorded in the book. There are no current plans to make changes the current arrangements.
