My query deals with the claims being made against the legal owners. Is there a sum included to cover loss of profits as a result of this disaster, the effect it had on the region in terms of tourism and so on? I do not think it should be left to each individual guesthouse owner or hotelier to lodge a separate claim. Surely the Government should make a claim on behalf of the economy which has suffered a loss because of this disaster?

The claim we have lodged is for the total cost to the various Government Departments involved in this operation. As regards the matter referred to by the Deputy, it is for private individuals to pursue such claims.

The point I am making is that while we may claim for the actual damage caused, there is a consequential loss to the State as a result of this disaster. Surely it is reasonable that any insurance claim should include an amount for the loss of profits to the State because of the damage to the environment and our tourist industry. Surely, it is better that one Government Department should make this claim on behalf of the State.

The costs and compensation claim for environmental damage and protection of the environment include the beach clean up measures, the monitoring of wild life and the protection of Lough Inagh with a boom. Compensation has not been sought for any other environmental damage as compensation for such damage, other than loss of profits, is normally limited to costs of reasonable measures of reinstatement actually taken or to be taken. The State has not undertaken any measures of this nature, and none is planned at this stage. Neither has any damage come to light which would warrant such action. Individuals and private organisations will have to make their own claims.

May I ask——

I am sorry Deputy but we have spent a long time on these questions for obvious reasons. I am now calling on Deputy Sherlock for a final supplementary.