asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement on the bombing of the Nellie M. coalboat in Lough Foyle; the arrangements to have the vessel removed from the shipping lanes; and the further action he proposes to take to ensure the safety of further vessels using Lough Foyle.
Private Notice Question: - Bombing of Coal Boat.
This outrage is of course being investigated by the Garda Síochána and the only point I think it is necessary or appropriate to make about the investigation is that, as far as the Garda authorities are concerned, there is no basis whatsoever for suggestions that investigations are inhibited by legal problems about jurisdiction except in the sense that those responsible may not be within the jurisdiction now.
The immediate practical problem concerning the ship is the possibility that there are unexploded bombs on board. How that problem is to be dealt with is obviously a matter for expert assessment and for a considered plan that will take full account of the need to safeguard human life. I must make it quite clear that, in so far as the Garda Síochána have any function or role in this context, there can be no question of any pressure being put on anybody to engage in a rushed operation that would involve an unnecessary hazard to life. As far as the Garda are aware the half-sunken ship in its present location presents no practical danger to other vessels. Certainly the immediate priority is to avoid any undue risk to human life. When the possibility of bombs being on the ship has been disposed of, the Garda will have no further function in relation to the ship and I cannot say where the responsibility for its removal may rest. I can only say, for the information of the House, that I understand that legal questions — questions of maritime law — may have to be gone into.
The question of what measures it may be practicable to take to guard against a recurrence is, of course, a matter for the Garda Síochána. If the Garda Síochána were in a position to take some special preventive measures in relation to this kind of activity, I do not think that the Deputy could expect that I would be free to publicise them.
Has it been established in whose waters the boat is presently resting?
I have told the Deputy that there is no basis whatever for the suggestion that the boat, Nellie M, is outside our jurisdiction. It is very definitely and certainly within our jurisdiction.
We have established that it is within our jursidiction and, therefore, is it our responsibility to have it salvaged?
The question to be decided now is whether or not there are explosives aboard. That is a very dangerous matter. We have had meetings, and we are still having them, with the security forces on the question of checking out whether or not there are explosives on board. When that has been established the question of removing the wreck will be considered.
Has the Minister been in contact with the security forces in Northern Ireland?
The Deputy should allow Deputy Horgan to ask a supplementary.
Can the Minister say whether the vessel was in Irish jurisdiction at the time of the explosion? Can he say whether there is an agreed line in Lough Foyle between the British and our authorities as to where the Border runs along that stretch of water?
Deputy Harte's question asked whether or not the boat was within our jurisdiction and the answer to that is "yes". If there are other questions on jurisdiction or jurisdiction lines in Lough Foyle or anywhere else I suggest they be taken up with the appropriate Minister.
Has the Minister, or officials of his Department, been in contact with the security forces in Northern Ireland? I should like to request the Minister to place a 25 inch map, showing the line between the British and Irish waters, in the Library of the House.
The Deputy asked me if the boat was within our jurisdiction and my answer was "yes". If there are further questions on jurisdiction lines I suggest that they be taken up with the appropriate Minister.
Will the Minister communicate with his relevant colleague to ask that the map requested be put in the Dáil Library?
I will certainly do that.