The Minister for the Marine, Mr Ahern, says he is prepared to review the proposed new rules on compulsory lifejackets if particular difficulties arise.
The Minister has also extended the consultation period on the draft rules by two days due to a delay in posting the details on his Department's website.
The closing date for submissions is now May 28th instead of May 26th, and Mr Ahern is determined to have final rules in force by the June bank holiday weekend.
Mr Ahern told The Irish Times that he would be happy to review the legislation, which was "stringent", within a year if he was "absolutely sure" that any amendments would not lead to loss of life.
He said that he also realised enforcement was an issue. The gardaí would be primary enforcing officers, but his Department was also in discussion with voluntary members of the Irish Coast Guard.
"I believe that this is not only an issue of enforcement," the Minister said.
Comparing it to the ban on cigarette smoking, he believed there would be "peer pressure" to ensure lifejackets were worn.
There has been a mixed reaction within marine leisure circles to the legislative route, which will involve penalties of over €1,000 being imposed if lifejackets or personal flotation devices are not worn by all people on "non-mechanically propelled" pleasure craft of up to seven metres (23 feet) in length.
Vessels over seven metres must have a lifejacket or a personal flotation device for every person on board. And the rules outlaw consumption of alcohol or drugs on board leisure craft where there is a risk to safety or a nuisance factor. Currently, lifejackets are compulsory for fishermen working on deck and at sea, and for children aged under 16 years on board vessels which are "underway".
The only exemption in the new legislation will be for participants in "Olympic style rowing" - defined as rowing covered by the rules and regulations of the Irish Amateur Rowing Union.
