To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to outline what action will be taken against the persons responsible for the oil spill on the Larne coast to contribute towards the cost of the clean up; and to encourage more diligent oil storage and transport in the future.

My Department is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this release of oil into the Irish Sea. On Saturday 11 June statutory samples of the spilt oil were taken with a view to prosecution. Given that this case may result in a file be passed to the Public Prosecution Service it would be inappropriate for me to comment any further on these issues at this time.

Any costs incurred by the Department will be recovered from the polluter.