asked the Minister for Finance if it is intended to introduce new by-laws for cruisers on the Shannon, in particular laws requiring the installation of chemical toilets.

Consideration is being given to the desirability of having all vessels using the Shannon fitted with chemical toilets but it is not possible at this stage to say if or when such a regulation could be introduced. Account would have to be taken of the views of various interested parties and there are certain practical measures which would have to be undertaken before it could be made compulsory to have chemical toilets installed on all vessels using the navigation.

Furthermore it may not be possible to deal with the matter by way of a by-law under existing legislation: it may be necessary to await the enactment of new legislation.