Vol. 406 No. 8
11 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to reports that the toxic substance, TBT, has been found in the middle of the North Sea at levels which could harm wildlife; if any survey has been undertaken of levels of TBR in the Irish Sea; if there are any plans to restrict the use of anti-fouling paints used on ships which contain TBT; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
(Limerick West): Anti-fouling paints including tributyltins (TBTs) are pesticides within the meaning of the European Communities (Classification, Packaging and Labelling of Pesticides) Regulations, 1985 and 1987. Under these regulations only pesticides which have clearance by the Department of Agriculture and Food can be sold.
In order to prevent avoidable damage to the marine and freshwater environments my predecessor used his powers under the Fisheries Acts to make By-Law No. 657 of 1987 which prohibits the use of TBT based anti-fouling paints on any part of a pier, jetty, building or other structure which is on or in either the sea or freshwater. The by-law also prohibits the use of such paints on boats under 25 metres in length except where such boats are used solely on the sea and whose hulls are made of aluminium alloy.
The reports to which the Deputy refers probably relate to measurements of organotins, which include TBT, in German and Dutch coastal waters in the German Bight which is not in the middle of the North Sea. I understand that the results of these measurements are preliminary.
Waters most likely to be affected by TBT are portal areas adjacent to harbours, docks and marinas; there is no evidence to suggest that TBT is a hazard to the marine environment in open sea areas such as the Irish Sea. Since the TBT ban was introduced in Ireland in 1987 there is evidence that Irish coastal waters are recovering from the effects of TBT usage in the past.
I thank the Minister for the comprehensive reply. Can he state what is the extent of the evidence of TBT and damage to Irish coastal waters? What inspections or examinations are carried out by his Department of waters in Irish port for evidence of TBT which is a very durable substance?
(Limerick West): There is evidence of TBT and it is being monitored on a continuous basis. As I have said, the ban was introduced in 1987 and that is well known. Reports coming into my Department are that the areas concerned are recovering from the effects of TBT.
Has the Minister control over ships using TBT coming into Irish coastal waters and berthing in Irish harbours, or is TBT banned right across Europe?
(Limerick West): I do not have that information, but I would imagine that it is banned right across Europe. The reply states that the ban was introduced in Ireland in 1987.
