asked the Minister for the Marine if his Department is aware of instances of ocean incineration around Ireland; the monitoring methods his Department use to detect this practice; and if his Department have any alternative to suggest in view of Ireland's agreement that ocean incineration in the North Sea must cease by 31 December 1994.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Ocean Incineration.
28.
I am not aware of any instances of ocean incineration around Ireland. The vessels which engage in the activity in the North Sea are closely supervised by the contracting parties to the Oslo Convention.
With regard to the seas around Ireland, the Naval Service as part of their normal patrols carry out general surveillance of all maritime activity within our 200 mile zone. I have strongly urged both Irish industrialists and Irish public authorities to give serious and urgent consideration to the development of alternative means of dealing with material currently incinerated at sea. I have particularly urged these bodies to examine means whereby these materials are put to productive use such as recycling.
The Minister for the Environment announced a grants scheme last April for the development of hazardous waste disposal services and has commissioned a feasibility study of contract incineration requirements within Ireland.
Is the Minister aware that there is confusion among experts in relation to the whole topic of ocean incineration and that there is a need for research by his Department? Does his Department and the Department of the Environment do any research and analysis on the dangers arising in this area because the Minister must be aware of public concern in relation to this topic? A certain amount of emotion has been generated by this topic and there is a need to allay public concern.
We will certainly endeavour to take measures to allay public concern. However, we are not aware of any instances of incineration around our coasts. As the Deputy is aware, these matters are governed by international conventions, such as the Oslo Convention, and they are complicated and involved. Our Department and the Department of the Environment work very closely and I will make some of the details of the relevant documents in this area available to the Deputy because, as she rightly pointed out, it is very complicated. However, we are not aware of any ocean incineration around Ireland and the vessels which engage in this activity in the North Sea are closely supervised and monitored through international conventions. Our Naval Service, as part of their normal duties, patrol the whole 200 miles in question.
Have the Government considered their alternative action in regard to this matter, to implement the 1978 EC Directive on Toxic and Dangerous Waste?
If the Deputy puts down a separate question I will supply her with the information she needs.
We will now deal with Question No. 31, Questions Nos. 29 and 30 having been disposed of.