More phosphorous incendiary bombs could be washed up during the summer season on Irish beaches with fatal consequences, according to Opposition TDs.
Mr Michael Finucane (FG, Limerick West) said the Irish Sea was getting a reputation as "the most explosive as well as the most radioactive sea", and these bombs could have "serious consequences if children find them on beaches".
Democratic Left's marine spokesman, Mr Eamon Gilmore, called on the Minister for Marine, Dr Woods, to find out what disturbed the dumped phosphorous canisters so they ended up on eastcoast beaches on Wednesday.
He said similar canisters washed up in Antrim and Scotland two years ago had been disturbed by the construction of the gas interconnector north of the Beaufort Dyke.
The Minister for Defence, Mr Smith, replying for Dr Woods, said the UK coastguard had been asked about the origin of the devices and if the seabed had been disturbed. The Minister for the Marine yesterday contacted the British Home Secretary to express concern.
He said 12 devices were found in the Republic - nine in Greenore, Co Louth, two in Clogherhead, Co Louth and one in Loughshinny, Co Dublin. The UK coastguard located one in Belfast Lough.
There was a huge response from the emergency services and extensive searches had been carried out.
Mr Michael Bell (Lab, Louth) asked whether, if the bombs were British, Britain was going to fund the monitoring of the coast and pay for their destruction. Mr Sean Ryan (Lab, Dublin North) said the coastal communities were very concerned about these devices.
The Minister said he would inform Dr Woods of concerns about who would pay for the monitoring and other issues and he would respond in detail to deputies.