Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 1394: To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the purchase of an all weather ocean going tug (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17897/12]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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There is no record of any EU Funding funding through my Department for the purchase of an emergency towing vessel (ETV) over the past 10 years. ETV's are expensive to purchase and maintain and so it is important to pursue enhancements in Ireland's marine pollution prevention, preparedness and response capability from within existing and available resources before we consider any further expenditure. As part of the Programme for Government I am reviewing risks posed by international shipping and by offshore exploration in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone and will thereafter consider what steps can be taken for the provision of emergency towing