John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senators for their thoughts and constructive contributions on this Bill. While Senator Kenneally talked about confusion, I do not think it is easy to confuse a Waterford Senator. He has a good grasp of the problems of the sea and the coastline.

Senator Finucane raised the issues of TBTs. The convention will take effect and apply internationally once 25% is achieved. After the accession states join the Union, the EU will control 40% of the world's tonnage.

Senator Finucane also raised the availability of a tug. We are holding ongoing discussions with Britain in this area. However, we have a certain level of response and the Irish Coastguard has anti-pollution equipment stockpiles in Dublin, Killybegs and Castletownbere. There is also a pool of trained personnel from harbour and local authorities who have attended national training courses and can be called upon. The coastguard also has contracts with specialist companies experienced in oil spill response to provide equipment and personnel in the event of a tier three response. The Irish Coastguard maintains close links with the EC's civil protection and environmental accident unit and can call for immediate assistance should an event similar to the Prestige incident occur in the Irish pollution responsibility zone. As a result of this co-operation, the Irish Coastguard sent 1,200 metres of boom and oil recovery equipment to Spain to assist Spanish authorities in dealing with the Prestige incident.