Vol. 410 No. 1
12 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for the Marine if his attention has been drawn to reports that an underwater video shows that the Kowloon Bridge may have had serious structural damage before it entered Irish waters in November 1986; if he intends to take any steps as a result of this information; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
(Limerick West): The Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to make a statement regarding the vessel in question at this stage as legal proceedings have been initiated for recovery of costs incurred by the State in dealing with the damage posed to the marine environment by the stricken vessel.
As the question is quite specific, I cannot understand the reason the Minister of State cannot give a straight answer since it relates to a video film the contents of which are public knowledge. The film shows that the Kowloon Bridge had a major crack across its mid-section before it entered Irish waters. May I ask the Minister of State if he is aware that this video film exists, if he has studied it and if it forms any part of the legal action he proposes to take?
(Limerick West): As I said, I am not prepared to comment further on the matter.
