I would suggest that the question appertains to what steps were being taken as far as the Department were concerned with a view to implementing the recommendations. As I pointed out, there are a number of measures being taken nationally, and also internationally, to bring about a situation where the recommendations will, have full effect in the future.

May I ask the Minister, in relation to that part of his extensive reply if, since circulating the report to the oil companies and harbour authorities, he has seen fit to inspect whether some or all of the recommendations contained in that report have actually been implemented by both the oil companies and the various harbour authorities and, if so, if he could give the approximate dates and times of when such imspections were made?

I am not in a position to give that information, except to point out that legislation dealing with Safety of Life at Sea, will be before the House in the very near future and will be comprehensive in dealing with the matters referred to. The Department of Labour would, in effect, be the more appropriate authority for dealing with the second part of the question.

If the Minister reads his brief fully, he will find that the legislation SOLAS will have nothing to do with the question of administration of jetties.

That is quite true.

Therefore his reply to my first question is quite inaccurate. The Minister in his first reply — and he might like to re-read it himself — stated that certain recommendations contained in the Costello report in relation to jetties had been brought to the attention of oil companies and various harbour authorities and that the Government had done this. I simply asked if he can state two things, firstly, when did he bring it to the attention of the various companies and secondly, have his Department followed it up by inspection?

Regular meetings have taken place between the various Departments with a view to implemention the recommendation referred to by the Deputy.

A final supplementary, please.

I would point out that what I stated, as far as the recommendations about Safety of Life at Sea, was that it was important legislation which should be on the Statute Book and also the question of the Department of Labour's involvement in the implementation of the Dangerous Substances Act.

A final supplementary from Deputy O'Keeffe.

With respect, the Minister has not answered the question.