asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if he is aware of the continuing oil pollution in Bantry Bay; the up-to-date information on the prospect of further pollution from the sunken hull of the Betelgeuse and the steps proposed to deal with the problem.

My latest information is that there is a slight continuing leak from the wreck of the Betelgeuse which is causing very light iridescence in the area of the wreck. Clean-up operations are still in progress on the shoreline but this activity is almost entirely related to pollution caused by the initial leakages.

Salvage operations on the mid and after sections of the wreck are continuing. This is a very difficult task in view of the damage caused to the vessel and will take some time to complete. The wreck is under water and it is impossible to ascertain at this stage the extent of any pollution risk that may still exist.

The operations are under the constant supervision of the interested Departments and Cork County Council. There is a work force of 147 men employed on the clean-up operations and the necessary anti-pollution equipment, including booms, boats and a light aircraft, is available to deal with any pollution which may occur.

Would the Minister take the view that the clean-up operation should be expedited and completed at the earliest possible date?

Yes, and that is what is being done. The matter is being speeded up as fast as possible. Of course, the Deputy will accept that it is a difficult task that will have to be done properly.

I ask the Minister to check his information. He says that this operation is being speeded up. I put it to him that not alone is it not being speeded up but it has been slowed down in recent weeks. Is the Minister aware that the working week of the people involved in this clean-up has been cut considerably in recent weeks?

I have pointed out to the Deputy that 147 men are employed in the clean-up operation.

Is the Minister aware that the working week of those involved in this clean-up operation has been cut recently?

I am not aware of that. I can check.

Would the Minister take steps to ensure, if the information I have is correct—as I believe it is, having spoken to people involved in this clean-up operation—that the operation is expedited at this stage and that these men are put back to working as long hours as they are able to in order to complete the job?

I will check on what the Deputy has said, but he is aware that there are priority areas being dealt with. As soon as those areas are dealt with the operations will be extended. However, I will inquire into the point that the Deputy has raised.

Is the Minister not aware that the whole of Bantry Bay is a tourist area?

Of course the Minister is aware. I am very well aware of that.