John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators Finucane, Tuffy and Kenneally. As spokespersons in the Seanad, I find their ideas and suggestions constructive and I am pleased to take them on board.

I thank Senator Daly for raising the particular issue which is of grave concern to people throughout the country. He can rest assured that the Minister, with the Government agencies under his control, will take every precaution to deal with the movement of these ships which are currently based in Hartlepool. He has met the United Kingdom's ambassador here and expressed the Irish concerns and his officials will meet United Kingdom transport officials shortly to express our concerns. The Senator can rest assured the Government is doing everything possible to ensure these ghost ships, as they are commonly known, return to the United States sooner rather than later. They probably should never have been allowed to leave, but that was beyond our control. I also thank my officials for their help and support.

Question put and agreed to.

Sitting suspended at 11.35 a.m. and resumed at 11.50 a.m.