A new system of ship registration is to be introduced by the Minister for the Marine, Mr Ahern, as part of a bid to attract international shipping businesses to the Irish flag. Lorna Siggins, Marine Correspondent, reports.

Government approval has been secured to update legislation dating back almost half a century. The Minister stresses that the new management system will have "full regard for existing, rigorous" safety standards - in other words, the Irish register won't be a "flag of convenience".

"The new registration management will operate on a 24-hour basis with simplified registration procedures, and will be totally customer-orientated," the Minister says.

"This will not result in any diminution of international rules and standards," he adds.

Mr Ahern says he believes the changes will attract ship operators to the Irish flag, and will allow the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) and IDA Ireland to promote the State as an international centre for ship management and related maritime business.

Currently, ship registration is handled by Registrars of Shipping attached to the Offices of the Revenue Commissioners.