Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 278: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will report on the proposed changes to the EU sulphur directive especially in terms of proposed changes to regulation MARPOL Annex VI; the impact that this change will have on sea transportation between Britain and Ireland; the contacts he has had with his UK and EU counterparts on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37054/08]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The EU Sulphur Directive, 1999/32/EC as amended by 2005/33/EC, was transposed into Irish law under the Sulphur Content of Heavy Fuel Oil, Gas Oil, and Marine Fuels Regulations, 2008 which were made earlier this year by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. With regard to marine fuels these Regulations prohibit the use or marketing of fuels of sulphur content above prescribed levels, for protection of health and the environment. From 1 January 2010, the tolerance level for marketing of marine gas oil will become stricter. I am not aware of any proposed changes to this Directive which will affect international shipping.

Separately, the International Maritime Organization, earlier this month, agreed significant changes to permissible emissions into the air from ships, including sulphur emissions, with provision for a gradual reduction in allowable ship emissions of sulphur oxides (SOx) to be incorporated in a revised MARPOL Annex VI. The revised Annex will bring in global standards that will significantly reduce harmful emissions from ships and will impose some costs on international shipping, including that between the UK and Ireland. It is due to enter into force on July 1, 2010. Regular contact is maintained at official level with UK and EU counterparts with regard to the managing of all marine pollution prevention matters.