Ruairí Quinn
Question:51 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the measures, if any, he intends taking to counteract the pollution of our seas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19123/97]
Written Answers. - Sea Pollution.
As Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources protection of the marine resource from pollution is one of my key objectives to which I am very much committed.
Ireland is party to many important international conventions for marine environment protection and I will ensure that we will continue to play active roles in the operation and development of these measures including the adoption of as many of their provisions as possible as soon as practicable. One of my first actions will be on Marpol 73/78 which provides for regulations for the control and prevention of operational pollution from ships. I intend to have amended versions of the regulations pertaining to oil, noxious liquid substances carried in bulk and garbage in place shortly together with additional regulations for the control and prevention of pollution by harmful substances carried by sea in packaged form.
As early as possible in the coming year I intend to put in place three further important measures viz. protocols amending the current Civil Liability Compensation and Fund Conventions which will increase threefold the levels of compensation for oil pollution incidents in our waters; the Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation Convention which will ensure that proper arrangements are in place to deal with emergency situations arising from spillages of oil at sea; and the HNS Convention on Liability and Compensation for pollution by hazardous and noxious substances which will complement the Civil Liability Compensation and Fund Conventions for oil pollution to which I have referred.
The Deputy will be aware of the task force on radioactive dumping which I set up some time ago. I expect to receive the report from this group shortly and will take whatever action is necessary in the light of its recommendations.
I am actively pursuing, within the IMO, the strengthening of the IMO code dealing with the carriage of irradiated nuclear fuels with a view to ensuring that the highest possible standards are applied and that voyages are undertaken as safely as possible.
The Irish Marine Emergency Service of my Department which operates a 24 hour service continually monitors incidents of marine pollution. IMES has a marine pollution emergency response plan to deal with any pollution incidents that occur and has arrangements with other agencies here and in the UK to assist in these situations.