asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to reports of a plan by the British authorities to dump millions of tons of sewage into fishing grounds in the Porcupine Bank, west of Ireland; if his Department has been consulted about these proposals; if any assessment has been done as to the potential impact of such a move on marine life; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

11.

asked the Minister for the Marine if a report in the media (details supplied) concerning a proposal by the British Government to dump 100 million tonnes of sewage 250 miles off the south-west coast of Ireland in the Porcupine Basin will be investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

72.

asked the Minister for the Marine if there is any further information available regarding the proposed dumping of non-treated sewage by the British, off the Porcupine Bank; if he has received a report as to the damage this might do to the fishing industry and if he will make a statement on the matter.

79.

asked the Minister for the Marine if he will make a statement on the reported proposal by the British Government to dump large volumes of raw sewage on the Porcupine Bank; and the implications of this for the fishing industry.

I propose to take Questions No. 8 and 11 and Written Questions Nos. 72 and 79 together.

My Department have been in touch with the British authorities who have indicated that they have no proposals on hands to dump sewage waste in the Porcupine area.

Did the Minister's inquiries deal with the peculiar entry in Lloyd's list where it was reported that the UK natural environment research group were examining why the company were engaged in such an investigation?

The matter referred to in the question has been discussed between officials of my Department and their counterparts in Britain because of the anxiety that the dumping of sewage in the Porcupine Bank could have serious effects on our fish. These preliminary discussions took place between a company and the British authorities in relation to this matter. My understanding is that no application has been made and we have been given an assurance that, in the event of an application being received we will be fully consulted before a decision is made. It will not only be a case in relation to this country but to many of our partners in the Community as they are particularly anxious about the dumping of sewage.

Will the Minister assure the House that the Government are in a position to take immediate action to stop any such proposal? Could he also advise us as to his views on such a proposal? It is implied that he would be opposed but will he state so categorically? Will he also advise the House as to what steps the Government could take to ensure that such a proposal will not become a reality?

Any such proposals would have to be properly and scientifically investigated and meet the requirements of international law. We are anxious about the prolific fishing grounds off the Porcupine Bank.

What is the present policy in relation to the dumping of sewage, sludge and waste generally at sea? In objecting to this preliminary proposal, if it became a reality and the UK authorities wanted to dump sewage and sludge in the area of the Porcupine Bank surely our own hand in objecting is considerably weakened as we have been engaged in dumping sewage and sludge in our own territorial waters for some time when it suits us? How can we make a case and expect international support if we do not put our own house in order first?

This matter will be coming up later in much greater detail as there are a number of questions tabled in that regard.

Are we likely to reach them this afternoon?

When was the Minister first notified of this decision? Had he to read in the newspapers or was he notified officially by Britain that such a proposal was envisaged?

There is no application from the British authorities. It was because of our anxiety in relation to this that we made our concern abundantly clear. Having contacted the British authorities they indicated to us that they have no proposals to dump waste in the Porcupine, and that they have no obligation——

We saw it in the newspapers.

A very brief question from Deputy McCartan.

Can the Minister of State advise us as to whether the Government or his Department have sought sight of the report prepared for the shipping company because its conclusion seemed to suggest that millions of tons of this kind of sludge could be safely dumped? Has the Minister made any efforts to seek a copy of that report and to refute it?

I will obtain a copy of the report. If sewage can be dumped safely on land that is where it should be dumped. When considering the dumping of sewage we must consider whether it is appropriate to dump it at sea or on land and we must go for the lesser of two evils. I am as anxious as the Members who put down this question. I will watch this very keenly. I have no doubt we will have support from other Members and no doubt from the fishermen in the UK.

I welcome the Minister's speech but is he aware that local authorities in this country dump sludge into the sea?

We heard that before. We had it earlier. I am calling Question No. 9.