asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that US representatives who attended a meeting of an inter-Governmental maritime consultative organisation in London last May have urged the US Congress to take vigorous action against a growing danger of oil-tanker disasters, including a new grant of emergency powers for the US President in the event of serious pollution emergencies; and what steps the Irish Government have taken in this regard.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oil Pollution Emergencies.
10.
Mr. Barrett
I am aware that the US Congress has been urged to take measures to deal with oil pollution emergencies.
I have set up a working group under the aegis of my Department which includes representatives of other interests concerned to study and report on the practical measures which would be necessary in the event of a major oil pollution incident on or near the Irish coast. This group includes the members of the technical team from my own Department and other Departments concerned which I sent to Britain at the time of the "Torrey Canyon" incident to make an on-the-spot study of the measures taken by the British authorities.
My Department is keeping in touch with the studies of the problems of oil pollution which are now being carried out in different countries and in the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation of which we are members.
Can the Minister say whether in the course of these specialised inquiries, special reference will be made to enclosed bodies of water such as Bantry Bay where the ordinary tidal procedures are less likely to effect clearance than the open sea?
It would be difficult to say; it would depend on prevailing conditions of tides and winds. I can assure the Deputy that we are still continuing elaborate negotiations with the Gulf Oil Company to ensure that the maximum precautions are taken in connection with the arrival of large tankers there.
Is the Minister aware that proposals for the establishment of this oil-terminal were presented to the French Government before being submitted to our Government and were turned down by the French Government, on the ground that the danger of pollution was so great that they would not permit of its erection there?
I am not so aware.
The Minister had better inquire.
But Deputy Dillon would not——
Deputy MacEntee and I will not live to see it, but from Heaven, we will regret it.
(Interruptions.)
No, no; Deputy MacEntee and I will be in Heaven. The Lord came on earth to save sinners, not only just men!