Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 May 1995

Vol. 453 No. 4

Written Answers. - Conference on Irish Sea.

Dermot Ahern

Question:

84 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for the Environment the action, if any, he has taken to comply with the commitment in the Programme A Government of Renewal to organise a conference regarding the Irish Sea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9486/95]

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Howlin)

The Irish Sea Science Co-ordination Group has operated since 1992 to promote co-operation on environmental monitoring and research relating to the Irish Sea and is nearing completion of its mandate. I intend that arrangements will be made between the Irish and UK Governments to continue and extend this co-operation on environmental matters affecting the Irish Sea.

The work programme of the OSPAR Convention is also relevant in this regard. Quality status reports based on detailed assessments of existing physical, chemical and biological information are required under this work programme by the year 2000 for all parts of the North-East Atlantic Region. Ireland and the UK are responsible for the preparation of that part of the report which covers the Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and areas to the west of Ireland and west of Scotland; work on this task is expected to commence early in 1996.

The question of a conference on the Irish Sea will be pursued in the context of these developments.