asked the Minister for the Marine the action he proposes to take to highlight the dangers inherent in the dumping of plastics in our seas and waterways; and if he is considering the introduction of legislation to outlaw such practices.

The preparation of a sea pollution Bill which will give effect to an international agreement known as Marpol 73/78 is at an advanced stage in my Department. One of the provisions of regulations to be made under the Bill will require ships to use reception facilities to be provided at ports for disposal of waste and garbage. The dumping of garbage, including plastics, from ships will become illegal by virtue of the Bill in question which I hope to bring before the House shortly.

European Coastwatch, 1989, which is fully supported by the Government and which was partly financed by a contribution from the Government undertook a survey of our coasts in September of this year. The results of the survey which I expect will be available shortly will provide useful information on the extent of the problems. My Department are cosponsoring with the Wildlife Service a poster campaign which will increase awareness among seafarers of the dangers to marine life and the environment of disposing of garbage, including plastic, from vessels at sea.

I welcome the Minister's announcement that he will bring legislation before this House soon because it is long overdue and a matter of grave concern. The Minister must be aware of the amount of plastics washed on to our coasts in the most remote parts of the country. In the legislation he proposes to introduce, will the Minister be in a position to impose fines? What facility will he have for monitoring people who offend in relation to the dumping of plastics? There are many offenders—not just ships at sea — in relation to the dumping of plastic. This has caused many difficulties in relation to fish kills and boats being damaged. Will the Minister's powers in this regard——

The Deputy's question is too long.

Will the Minister be in a position to take specific action, unlike his position at present in relation to submarines?

Yes, I can tell the Deputy that the sea pollution Bill is being drafted in the Attorney General's office at present. It will enact into Irish law Marpol 73/78 and the intervention protocol. The Marpol Agreement strengthens the law on oil discharges from ships — which is very important — extending it to pollutants, other than oil — which again is important — liquid harmful substances, sewage, garbage and so on. With it there is an intervention protocol. When that has been passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas it will empower us to take action in relation to ships on the high seas apart from those that cause pollution while in our harbours or within our coastal limits. I accept what the Deputy says, that plastics constitute a big problem because they do not destroy; that is the trouble. I have an idea that the individuals to whom the Deputy referred in the course of her supplementary, who pollute from land, would be covered by existing legislation initiated in the Department of the Environment. The Sea Pollution Bill provisions will give me very strong powers in this regard.