Vol. 414 No. 4
10 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for the Marine if he will outline the progress which has been made by his Department with regard to the recovery of costs incurred by the State in the clean-up and rescue operation involving the Kowloon Bridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
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. I am advised that it would be inappropriate for me to make a statement at this stage.
This reply is exactly the same as a reply to a similar question six months ago. As the Kowloon Bridge tragedy occurred almost five years ago to the day, surely it is unacceptable that it should take so long for the State to recover the costs associated with the clean up operation. Can the Minister indicate at what stage are the legal proceedings and when does he expect them to be brought to a conclusion?
I want to assure the Deputy to quote Shakespeare, that it is "the law's delay" and not "the insolence of office", that is the cause. Every effort is being made by my Department to ensure that we get the money as quickly as possible. A very special effort was made by the Cork county engineer, Cork county manager and the Cork local authority at great expense, and to good effect. We are pushing as far as we can for a final solution to the legal cost problem.
I do not expect the Minister to go into the detail of the case, but which court is hearing the legal proceedings, at what stage are the proceedings and when does he expect the case will be heard in court?
The Deputy is seeking a lot of detail that might be appropriate to other questions.
I am not getting many answers.
I am circumscribed a little in the reply I can give. Civil proceedings were initiated against the first owner, the second owner and all the people we were told could be responsible for the expenses, and that is being pushed strongly.
Which court is hearing the case?
I think it is the High Court.
