Maritime Labour Convention
Ireland ratifies the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, 2006
Ireland is the 63rd ILO member State and the 21st Member State of the European Union (EU) to have ratified this Convention
On 21 July 2014, the Government of Ireland deposited with the International Labour Office the instrument of ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006). Ireland is the 63rd ILO member State and the 21st Member State of the European Union (EU) to have ratified this Convention. The Government estimates that more than 98 per cent of Ireland’s international trade is transported by sea.
In depositing the instrument of ratification, H.E. Ambassador Patricia O’Brien stated: ”By ratifying this instrument, Ireland underlines its commitment to maritime safety and to ensuring improved living and working conditions for seafarers. Ireland is fully behind the ILO's efforts to define international labour standards in this important sector."
On receiving the instrument of ratification, Ms Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, Director of the International Labour Standards Department said: “We have watched with great interest the institutional and capacity developments in Ireland’s shipping industry including the measures that have been taken by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in Ireland in developing the sector. Ireland’s ratification of the MLC, 2006 therefore compliments these objectives as it further enhances a level playing field for shipowners and requires quality training to ensure competent national seafarers. Further, this additional ratification brings us even closer to the collective ratification by all EU Member States of the Convention, which has been promoted throughout the EU since the 2007 EU Council Decision.”
The MLC, 2006 entered into force on 20 August 2013 for the first 30 member States whose ratifications were registered by 20 August 2012. The Convention will enter into force for Ireland on 21 July 2015, that is, one year after its ratification. For more background information, please visit the dedicated MLC webpage at /mlc
In depositing the instrument of ratification, H.E. Ambassador Patricia O’Brien stated: ”By ratifying this instrument, Ireland underlines its commitment to maritime safety and to ensuring improved living and working conditions for seafarers. Ireland is fully behind the ILO's efforts to define international labour standards in this important sector."
On receiving the instrument of ratification, Ms Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, Director of the International Labour Standards Department said: “We have watched with great interest the institutional and capacity developments in Ireland’s shipping industry including the measures that have been taken by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in Ireland in developing the sector. Ireland’s ratification of the MLC, 2006 therefore compliments these objectives as it further enhances a level playing field for shipowners and requires quality training to ensure competent national seafarers. Further, this additional ratification brings us even closer to the collective ratification by all EU Member States of the Convention, which has been promoted throughout the EU since the 2007 EU Council Decision.”
The MLC, 2006 entered into force on 20 August 2013 for the first 30 member States whose ratifications were registered by 20 August 2012. The Convention will enter into force for Ireland on 21 July 2015, that is, one year after its ratification. For more background information, please visit the dedicated MLC webpage at /mlc