Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 7

Written Answers. - Dumping of Radioactive Material.

Alan Shatter

Question:

20 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the further information, if any, he has from the United Kingdom Government regarding the dumping of radioactive material in the Irish Sea or anywhere else in Irish waters; and his views on whether he is receiving full co-operation from the United Kingdom Government in this regard. [19010/97]

Liz McManus

Question:

58 Ms McManus asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the report, if any, he has received from the task force he has established to advise in relation to his contacts with the British Government on the dumping of radioactive material in the Irish Sea; the conclusion, if any, which has been reached regarding the further surveys required of the Beaufort Dyke and other dumping sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19031/97]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 58 together.

On 14 October last I brought the House up-do-date on the information I had received from the UK authorities on the dumping of radioactive material in the Irish Sea. Since then my Department has received some further information from the UK authorities concerning the dumping of material in the Holyhead Deep in 1975. This involved a very small quantity of low grade material.

All this information is now being examined by the task force which I established to advise me on the implications of all information becoming available and the measures necessary to ensure marine life and human health are fully protected. I expect the task force to report before the end of the year. The question of further surveys required of the Beaufort Dyke and other dumping sites will be considered by the task force.

I assure the House that I am satisfied with the level of co-operation I have received from the UK authorities since these incidents of dumping were first reported in July. My Department is in constant touch with the UK authorities about the progress of the investigation of these matters currently ongoing in the UK.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

22 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources whether he will publish an inland fisheries plan; if so, when he intends to publish this plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19140/97]

Michael Ferris

Question:

54 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to the preparation of the strategic management plan by the regional fisheries board for the period 1998 to 2002; if so, if his Department is involved in this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19120/97]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Dr. Woods)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 54 together.

Under section 8 of the Fisheries Act, 1980, the preparation of an inland fisheries development plan is the statutory responsibility of the Central Fisheries Board.

At my request, on taking office, the Central Fisheries Board is finalising a strategic five year plan for the development of inland fisheries which will be presented to me shortly. The plan has been drafted with the assistance of independent consultants and in consultation with the regional fisheries boards. My Department has had no direct involvement in the process of drawing up the plan apart from some discussion at an advanced drafting stage of the overall thrust and direction of the plan. We will be examining the final proposals in detail with a view to taking matters forward with the board and to deliver on our mutual objectives for the inland fisheries resource.