asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when legislation will be introduced to ratify the Oslo Convention which prohibits the dumping of noxious materials at sea and which was signed on behalf of this country in June, 1972.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Oslo Convention Ratification.
30.
Ireland will ratify the Oslo Convention when legislation to give effect to its provisions in this country has been enacted. I understand that the Minister for Transport and Power hopes to submit to the Government in the near future proposals for such legislation. In the meantime national control over dumping at sea is exercised through existing fisheries legislation. Any licences issued in this regard by the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries adhere to the letter and the spirit of the Oslo Convention.
Could the Minister tell us the reason for the long delay on the part of the Government in introducing legislation? Is it because the Government have not considered at all the question of pollution as a result of the dumping of noxious materials at sea?
On the contrary, it is because of the Government's concern to tackle the problem on the widest scale. Under the Oslo Convention what seems to be at stake is the dumping at sea for which we would be responsible. In the first instance, this would appear to be confined to dumping by Irish ships or dumping within Irish territorial waters. The Government would, however, like to be in the position to extend, if possible, their control over the Continental Shelf. This raises issues outside the Oslo Convention, issues we regard as very important, and it is the consideration of these issues and consideration of the question as to whether legislation could legally and legitimately be extended to the Continental Shelf which has been the prime factor in delaying legislation.
The stream outside the shelf may be important.
We can make a case for legislating to the Continental Shelf. I do not think we can make a case for legislating beyond it. We would like to extend our control of pollution and dumping as widely as possible. It is the technical and legal problems associated with this which seem to have held up the introduction of legislation.
This is the same sort of answer as the answer to question No. 29.
How could the Minister say he is serious about this matter in view of the fact that the Minister for Local Government, and no other Minister, is prepared to accept responsibility for the protection and preservation of the environment and for the prohibition of the dumping of noxious material at sea?
I do not understand the Deputy's reference. Legislation is being prepared by the Minister for Transport and Power and will be submitted by him shortly to the Government.
Question No. 31.
Is the Minister suggesting that because the issue of what our authority would be on the shelf, or beyond it, has not been resolved in the interim, we are not in a position to take steps to control dumping within our own territorial waters?
The question of whether it can be extended is being considered. This has held it up a certain amount. If we can do it comprehensively and in one go, it would be better. Obviously, if there are to be significant delays about the Continental Shelf, it would be much better to get on with the legislation. We are investigating this at present.
Question No. 31.
I agree with the Minister that it would be the ideal to have it done on a comprehensive basis as he suggests. Does he not accept that, in the meantime, in view of the urgency of this matter, such steps as are available should be taken? Arising out of what Deputy O'Leary asked, is it not the Minister for Local Government, or whoever poses as the Minister concerned with the environment, who should introduce this legislation?
Legislation in respect of shipping is a matter for the Minister for Transport and Power. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the Oslo Convention relates to the dumping of material from ships, not from shores.
Question No. 31.
What measures can be adopted by the Government in order to prevent the dumping of bunker sludge by ships on the high seas or wherever it is?
The Oslo Convention relates to the area in the seas relatively near to us in the region of north western Europe. The London Convention is the one which relates to the high seas generally. If the Deputy wants to put down a question on that, I will be happy to deal with it.
I have called Question No. 31 on a number of occasions. May the Chair be obeyed, please?