John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

We are not in a position to make regulations outside our own waters but as Senators Daly and Finucane stated, the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, has expressed serious concern on a number of occasions about the ghost ships. Obviously other EU countries are of like mind, but under international regulations these ships have a right of passage. We have expressed our concerns. The Coast Guard and all the port authorities are aware of these ships and are ready to spring into action if required, although I hope that will not be necessary.

I understand the Minister will be in Brussels next week and I will ask him to take on board the points raised by Senator Daly and hold discussions with people of like mind. As we can see from the newspapers and publicity generally, there is serious concern about the ghost ships moving so close to countries, including our own.