(Limerick West): I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 10 together.
Arising from his dual responsibilities for the safety of life at sea and for the development of the fishing industry, the Minister for the Marine, Deputy Wilson, recently publicly expressed his concern at the incident referred to by the Deputies. He is taking a keen interest in the outcome of inquiries established to investigate the incident with a view to taking every possible positive action to protect the lives of Irish fishermen.
The Government are very seriously concerned about the dangers that submarines pose to shipping and about the nuclear hazard in the event of an accident involving nuclear powered or armed submarines. We avail of every opportunity in international fora, such as the United Nations and the International Maritime Organisation, to focus attention on the general problems. In addition, the Department of Foreign Affairs have raised specific incidents with the authorities of the countries concerned and will continue to do so as the need arises.
The Department of Foreign Affairs have been seeking information from the British authorities in relation to the specific incident to which the Deputies refer. The question of further approaches to the British authorities will be considered in the light of this information.