Brendan Kenneally (Fianna Fail)

There has been much debate and media attention about illegal dumping. There have been instances of domestic and commercial waste moving from the Republic of Ireland through the North and on to Scotland and elsewhere. I accept that this legislation has not yet been enacted. However, under the Dumping at Sea Act 1996, have prosecutions been taken in respect of people involved in moving domestic or commercial waste via the sea and dumping it? Is it permissible for anyone to apply for a licence to dispose of such rubbish at sea? Is it possible to grant such licences and have any been granted?