John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 391: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a decision has been taken by the European Commission with regard to a feasibility study of the establishment of a European coastguard dedicated to pollution prevention and response; if such a feasibility study will be conducted; the part Ireland will play in such a study and when it will begin. [9963/05]

Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I indicated to the House in my reply to a question on 8 March on the subject of the establishment of a European coastguard that a draft directive of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union on ship-source pollution and on the introduction of sanctions for infringements, which is under consideration, calls for the Commission to undertake a feasibility study of the establishment of a European coastguard dedicated to pollution prevention and response, making clear the costs and benefits.

To date the Commission has not sought any views on the matter from the Department but, as I have already indicated, Ireland will participate in any feasibility study that the Commission might undertake and will examine any proposals forthcoming in this regard.