Gay Mitchell
Ceist:55 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his Department raised with the British Government the recent appearance of canisters along Ireland's coastline. [16478/98]
Vol. 496 No. 1
55 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his Department raised with the British Government the recent appearance of canisters along Ireland's coastline. [16478/98]
80 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has completed its investigation into the origin and likely number of phosphorous incendiary devices recently found along the east coast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21947/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 55 and 80 together.
Deputies will recall that 28 phosphorous devices were washed up along the east coast between 3 and 8 June 1998. A further device was washed ashore on 19 July 1998. These devices apparently originated in the Beaufort Dyke dump site, which lies between the coast of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
While I am relieved that no further devices have been washed ashore, I am obviously very concerned that any devices should have appeared in this way. I am disappointed that these devices have apparently originated in the Beaufort Dyke dump site despite a management regime for the dump site which was agreed at ministerial level with the UK two years ago.