Vol. 309 No. 6
(Cavan-Monaghan) and Mr. Keating asked the Minister for the Environment the steps he proposes to take, as a matter of urgency, to protect the coast from oil pollution from the Christos Bitas, in view of the fact that she has been sunk 300 miles nearer the coast than the location given by him as being safe.
129.
asked the Minister for the Environment if, in view of the unscheduled sinking of the Christos Bitas, he will outline the emergency plans his Department have to protect the wildlife, fish stocks and beaches of this country.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 128 and 129 together.
In my reply to the Adjournment Debate on 17 October last on the oil spillage threat from the Christos Bitas I gave details of the comprehensive arrangements that exist for dealing with clearance of oil pollution. These arrangements are kept under continuous review.
I also explained that while general responsibility for clearance of oil pollution rests with my Department, other Ministers have specific responsibilities in related areas. The Minister for Tourism and Transport is responsible for the administration of the Oil Pollution of the Seas Acts. I am satisfied after consultation with him that the risk of any oil from the wreck of the Christos Bitas reaching Irish coasts is extremely remote.
Overall responsibility for the protection of fisheries and wildlife is as I previously explained, a matter for the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry.
