asked the Minister for the Marine if he will indicate when the Government intend to bring the MARPOL agreement before Dáil Éireann for ratification; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Preparation of the Sea Pollution Bill, which is a prerequisite for the enactment into Irish law of the provisions of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from ships, known as MARPOL 73/78, is at an advanced stage. I would hope to bring the Bill before the House shortly. The ratification process will follow as soon as the Bill becomes law. I would hope to have the entire process completed in 1990.

I welcome the Minister's response. I ask him to give a firm commitment that the Bill will be brought before the House in this session, taking into consideration that we are one of the few countries out of 40 that have not signed this agreement and also taking into consideration that we probably have the richest fishing grounds in Europe. There is now a great awareness by environmentalists and by the general public that the seas around our coasts are being polluted constantly. I accept what the Minister has said and I ask him for a commitment that this matter will be brought forward at the earliest possible date.

I can assure the Deputy that I will push it through with all possible speed. Eight out of the 12 EC countries have already taken action on it.