Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

Nobody is disputing the provisions that exist in previous legislation or our preparedness for emergencies. Regardless of our plans, however, it has been ceded in the past that we do not have vessels suitable for towing away a vessel that is in distress. We can stall matters with regard to our marine research vessels. I am sure Senator Daly is wondering, as I am, what right these vessels have to come from the USA and put our coastline at risk, regardless of our level of preparedness. At EU level, in conjunction with the other EU countries that are part of this protocol, we should be making a stand on this issue.