Vol. 484 No. 4
33 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the progress made in relation to the implementation of the action plan on pollution announced following his meeting with farming organisations on 21 August 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22246/97]
My six-point action plan is designed to ensure that the resources of the fisheries boards 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 on water quality issues between all involved bodies, 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 actively progressing the various elements of the plan in consultation with the regional fisheries boards and all relevant players and agencies and is in the process of establishing a dedicated environmental co-ordination unit to advance this strategy.
My overall objective is to ensure that resources are effectively deployed in the crucial tasks of pollution prevention, monitoring and incident response. This requires a partnership approach across all the relevant agencies and sectors, to ensure that fisheries resources, and the habitats which support them, are protected and conserved. I am confident that I have the co-operation of all interested groups, including the farming organisations, in the task of delivering on these goals.
