Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)

I will try to be as quick and direct as possible and not repeat questions that have already been asked. We have in front of us an inconclusive report.

I am aware that I am a new TD. How regular is an inconclusive report from the EPA and from the organisations present? It has been stated that an official report - another report - will come from this one, which will inevitably and undoubtedly be inconclusive as well because, as Mr. Long is telling me, the evidence is inconclusive.

Mr. Ryan made the statement that it was a terrible event. I agree, but what do I go back and say to my neighbours in Mallow - the people who are walking their dogs along the river, who occasionally leave them off the lead and who get into the Blackwater and swim, who have not done it for a long time? What do I say to Mallow Search and Rescue? What do I say to the people who canoe there? At the moment, is the Blackwater safe? Would Mr. Long eat a trout or a salmon out of the Blackwater at the moment?

We have touched on the awfulness of what has happened. I have a question for Mr. Fox and I will stop then. He mentioned that once he was notified - I accept there was a time lapse - he swung in immediately within an hour and a half. Where did Inland Fisheries Ireland go first to make its inspection? Did they have the knowledge that North Cork Creameries had several problems with the EPA and might be the source? One of the witnesses mentioned that no fish kill was found within a 4 km radius. Obviously, there would not be a fish kill there because fish run away. Nature moves very quickly when it is in danger. We all know that from forest fires and the rest of it. They move far down the line. We know that this is a very fast-moving river at times. Did IFI go to North Cork Creameries to start the investigation?