Vol. 482 No. 6
82 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the progress, if any, made in relation to the implementation of the action plan on pollution announced following her meeting with farming organisations on 21 August 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19045/97]
As the House is aware, I recently announced a six-point action plan, designed to ensure that the resources of the fisheries service and of all relevant agencies are co-ordinated and deployed to best effect to deal with pollution, both by tackling its causes and by acting swiftly when it occurs. The plan will include a mobile emergency response unit, an inland fisheries forum to ensure regular co-ordination and information exchange between all involved bodies on all water quality issues, the development of a code of practice, a review of pollution prevention and response strategies, a review of current penalties and investment in the laboratory services and equipment available to the fisheries boards.
The Central Fisheries Board is currently progressing the various elements of the plan in consultation with the regional fisheries boards, and is in the process of establishing a dedicated environmental co-ordination unit to advance this strategy.
