asked the Minister for Transport the precautions being taken against oil pollution at Cork harbour.

All petroleum vessels operating in Cork Harbour have to comply with petroleum bye-laws made by the Cork Harbour Commissioners which prescribe, inter alia, procedures to be observed on arrival and during loading/unloading operations to minimise the risk of accidents and oil spillages as well as procedures in the event of a leakage or spillage of oil.

In addition, the Irish Refining Co. Ltd. requires masters of all tankers berthing at the Whitegate Refinery jetty to observe special anti-pollution and safety regulations. All operations at the jetty are supervised by a terminal supervisor. The Cork Harbour Commissioners, the local authorities and the Irish Refining Co. Ltd. have prepared contingency plans for the clearance of oil pollution. These plans cover such aspects as manpower, machinery, vehicles, boats and equipment, dispersants, oil recovery units, booms, etc.