asked the Minister for Defence if he will make a statement on the decision to provide a naval task force to deal with oil spills.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Naval Service Duties.
31.
The naval service is one of a number of agencies involved in measures, being planned, under the overall responsibility of the Department of Local Government, to deal with oil spills. The duties to be undertaken by the naval service are being considered in consultation with a committee representative of the various authorities concerned.
The Minister mentioned in the course of his reply that the measures being planned were being done in consultation with the Department of Local Government. Might I ask will the naval personnel be directly under the Department of Local Government? Will they be seconded to them or what is the Minister's intention?
The Department of Local Government are very closely involved in this matter and we shall give all the help we can. The information I have is that when oil spills occur, particularly at sea, the position is that a large number of small boats, such as, for example, trawlers, which could approach it with a dispersant is more effective than, say, one large boat. Therefore, arrangements are being carried out and the Naval Service will co-operate to the full.
Would the Minister inform me whether or not he is thinking of seconding personnel on an almost permanent basis to the Department of Local Government or will they be there merely on call?
They will be essentially on call.