asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries the immediate steps being taken by his Department to preserve the livelihood of fishermen who are estimated to be losing £1,000 a day following the oil spillage at Bantry Bay.
Private Notice Question: - Bantry Bay Oil Spillage.
On hearing of this incident from a spokesman for the local fishermen I immediately arranged for two of the scientific officers attached to the Fisheries Branch to carry out a full investigation of the extent of the damage suffered by the fishermen and of the long-term effects on the local fishery. The two officers arrived in Bantry yesterday afternoon and immediately started their investigations. They furnished me with a preliminary report early this morning indicating that they had examined the condition of the pier and shore and taken photographs and that they would be going out today with the fishermen to examine the condition of their nets and of the herrings in them. They also intend examining the types of detergents being used to clear the oil and the condition of the seabed in the harbour. I expect to have a full report from the officers tomorrow.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in June, 1973, I raised this question on the Adjournment and I predicted a spillage such as did occur in Bantry? The Parliamentary Secretary has the audacity to tell us that he did not send two inspectors down there until this spillage occurred. I am sure he is aware — and if he is not he should be aware — that the fishermen are now in the middle of one of their most important seasons, namely, the herring fishing season.
The Deputy is entitled to a supplementary question but he may not embark upon a debate.
I appreciate that. I am sure he is aware that the catches and the runs have been extraordinarily good. Is there any way in which his Department envisage compensating these fishermen for their loss of livelihood not only now but for the next weeks and perhaps months?
I am well aware of the position around the coast. It is always the aim of the Fisheries Branch to protect the fishermen and to prevent pollution in every way possible. As I indicated in my reply, when I got this information about the recent unfortunate spillage, I immediately directed two scientific officers to visit the area and to make a comprehensive report, which they are doing at present. At this time they are out with the fishermen to get all the relevant information and to report back. We all regret this spillage. It is only right that I should say that Gulf Oil are co-operating fully with the officers of the Department and also the Department of Transport and Power have their surveyors on the spot. Discussions are taking place with Gulf Oil. The oil is spilled. There is an old saying that there is no use in crying over spilled milk.
Or spilled oil.
I am taking into account the co-operation, which is only natural, we are getting from the Gulf Oil people and, in view of the losses which are being suffered and which will be suffered in the ensuing weeks by the fishermen of the area, I have no doubt that Gulf Oil will see that they will not be out of pocket. It is not unreasonable to expect that from the Gulf Oil Corporation. I am sure we could leave that question over for the present because it could be settled and I hope it will be settled, locally. We are annoyed, to put it mildly, that this type of spillage should occur in Bantry Bay this week having regard to the gallonage which is estimated at from 8,000 to 9,000. I do not want to make any comment from the floor of this House as to why it should have occurred or whether it could have been prevented until we have all the available information. Deputy Crowley and other Deputies can rest assured that the Fisheries Branch and the Department of Transport and Power are taking all the steps that could be taken to wipe up the mess and to ensure, in so far as it is possible to do so, that it will not happen again. I am sure Deputy Crowley is not blaming the Department or the Government for the oil spillage in Bantry Bay.
I appreciate that the Parliamentary Secretary is as concerned as I am.
A brief supplementary, Deputy.
The Ceann Comhairle will be aware that I raised this matter in June, 1973, and I was promised by the Minister for Local Government — and I think the Parliamentary Secretary was sitting behind him — that he would take action and that a report would be submitted to his Department about what occurred and how the spillage occurred. Now we hear the same story again from the Parliamentary Secretary that inspectors are down there. What is to happen?
The Deputy is entitled to ask a supplementary question relevant to the subject matter of the question, but he is embarking upon a speech. We cannot debate this matter now.
One final supplementary. Does the Parliamentary Secretary intend doing anything about the winkle beds that have been wiped out? I am sure his officials have told him that they have been wiped out by the spillage and have also informed him of the way the beds of the sea urchins have been affected.
The Department of Local Government are represented on the spot by their chief pollution officer. The position is quite clear and I am sure the Members are fully conversant with it. Gulf Oil provide employment in the Bantry area and we like them being there but we do not like these spillages. We have told them so time and again and will continue to inform them of this. Unfortunately, adequate steps have not been taken by Cork Corporation to prevent spillages, particularly a spillage of the type which occurred this week. They have been reminded and are being reminded.
I do not know what the official explanation will be and it is possible that I will be able to obtain this from the corporation tomorrow morning. However, we are anxious to see that while Gulf Oil continue in Bantry they will look after their business a little better than they appear to be doing.
Surely it is up to the Parliamentary Secretary to make sure that they do?
Departments of State have taken all steps necessary.
Absolutely nothing is being done.
If any further information is required on this matter I will provide it when these reports are made available to me.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary make available the reports he expects to receive tomorrow?
It is possible that they will be confidential but if there is anything of importance contained in them I will convey that information to the Deputy.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary make these reports available to the Deputies of the West Cork constituency?
I will not give the Deputy any positive statement on that——
That is more whitewash.
It is not whitewash. The Deputy has pretended to be interested in the fishermen but Fianna Fáil gave such assurances when they were in Government.
Next Business. The Chair was good enough to allow this matter to be raised and when I call the next Business Deputies should respect that ruling.
I wish to give notice that it is my intention to raise the subject matter of Question No. 23 on the Adjournment.
It is only fair to point out to the Deputy that he is late in seeking to raise this matter today. The Deputy must avail of an opportunity on another day.
Will the Chair communicate with me?
No, the Deputy must raise it again.