John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)

We are referring to compensation and liability, which is very important. Compensation is based on a charge. I would like to know if prosecutions were brought under the 1991 legislation. There have been several offenders but few or no prosecutions. We are talking about compensation but the Bill deals mainly with giving effect to the International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea 1996. This must be based on a charge of discharge of bilge containing oil waste and noxious substances. This type of sea pollution should be enshrined in the legislation. Compensation should be based on the fact that there has been a breach of the law. It is regrettable that the number of prosecutions in the State for such breaches has been abysmally low. That is the main issue.

Although compensation should be based on a charge, there has been inaction and an absence of policing. This is where the problem lies. I will press my amendment.

See this speech in context