Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 1

Written Answers. - Dumping at Sea.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

56 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if he has received the report of the task force on radioactive dumping in the Irish Sea, which was expected in June 1998; when the report will be published; the investigations, if any, held into claims by a retired merchant seaman that an Irish shipping company may have been involved in the dumping of toxic and possibly radioactive waste in the Irish Sea in the late 1950s and early 1960s; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26465/98]

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

As I indicated to the House on 4 November 1998, I have asked the Task Force on Radioactive Dumping to investigate the claims by a retired merchant seaman that an Irish shipping company may have been involved in the dumping of toxic and possibly radioactive waste in the Irish Sea during the 1950s and 1960s. I welcome the fact that this man has decided to put this information into the public domain. I understand that members of the task force have now met him to discuss the matter and that further inquiries are being made on foot of his information. My officials have also been in touch with the UK authorities to advise them of these allegations and to ask that they be investigated.

I expect to receive the report of the task force as soon as it has had an opportunity to assess this new information. As I have previously indicated, it is my intention to publish the report of the task force.