asked the Minister for External Affairs what protests were made by him to the Government of the United States of America in relation to the dumping of poisonous gas rockets in the Atlantic Ocean; whether an examination was made of the possibility of the gas being carried to this country on the Gulf Stream; whether the United States Government gave prior notice to this State of its proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dumping of Gas Rockets.
21.
As long ago as June, 1969, we made known to the United States authorities our interest from the point of view of any possible effects on this country in dumping of the type to which the Deputy refers. The United States authorities have since announced that they are taking every precaution to avoid further sea disposal of chemical munitions.
Would the Minister say when he received that assurance from the United States Government, because they dumped these poisonous gas rockets in the sea this year and on a lane along which navigational buoys have been known to float across the Atlantic to the Irish coast?
Since 1969 we have had continuous contact with the United States Government on this. There is not merely one date for the assurances throughout the time since 1969.
They appear to have been broken because they dumped the gas in July of this year again.