Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)

Officials from both Departments have informed us that the Bill is simply a housekeeping issue, clarifying issues in the current legislation. I always welcome clarity and note that we need to ensure that legislation as laid down is clear and comprehensive. Any legislation that claims to clarify previous legislation would always be welcomed, particularly in a situation where there had previously been some confusion. This is an area that needs to be managed in as efficient a way as possible because it is of huge importance to the State.

The foreshore in Ireland covers 39,000 sq. km. Within this area, there are many possibilities for different sorts of activities, many of which would be of tremendous potential to all. In Sinn Féin, we want to protect and promote all of our natural resources so we understand the need for legislation in this area. We appreciate the need for licensing and for leasing in terms of facilitating wind and wave power. We look forward to a greater promotion of this type of energy because it is time we all put our backs to the wheel and got behind the promotion of our own natural resources. These are the future, and we all need to understand this. The State as owner of the foreshore must make arrangements to ensure that this resource is utilised. However, it must be utilised in a responsible and controlled manner.

Our fishing industry certainly has tremendous potential, although we would argue that it is not being fully exploited. The industry will thrive if it is given sufficient support and organised in an efficient and business like manner; if not, it will fall away and become defunct. If the west, in particular, is to become more prosperous, the industry needs to be reinvigorated and made ready for business. The review of the Common Fisheries Policy does not fully support its development. This needs to change in order that the industry and ancillary activities can achieve their full income and employment generating potential.

If the Bill provides for greater protection and promotion of the foreshore, I welcome it. However, I ask the Minister to clarify certain issues that arise. Will the Bill finally provide an answer for those waiting for licences and leases? In excess of 60 foreshore consents were granted in 2010 and a further 96 are being processed. These figures do not give me confidence in the efficiency of the processing mechanism. How will it be ensured licences will be granted in a fair and transparent manner? We do not want to see a repeat of the process that led to the granting of the Corrib licence, in which regard information was difficult to come by.

I hope the division of duties between the Departments of the Environment, Community and Local Government and Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will be as clear as the Minister and his officials have claimed. The last thing we want is for people who are trying to set up businesses to be sent from Billy to Jack and the decisions to fall somewhere between the two Departments. As public representatives, we are all familiar with the phenomenon of one Department kicking the ball to another. I seek the Minister's assurance that there will be clarity from the point of view of the customer who deals with the organs of government.

There is a considerable number of small fishermen around the coast. We do not want conflict between large industry and local fishermen. I acknowledge the importance of attracting large companies, but they should not be the winners because small fishermen are the losers. Good legislation which is implemented fairly would ensure everyone was a winner, whether large industry, a medium-sized company or a small fisherman. The Government has promised real change and we expect it to protect small as much as larger interests. We will be holding it to account in this regard.

The transfer of functions from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government should not create a threat to the use of lobster pots or nets. We seek assurances that the amendment clarifies responsibilities and does exactly what it says on the tin because otherwise it will benefit no one. Will it impact on decisions on consents, for example? I welcome the Minister's assurance that responsibility for the licensing of aquaculture sites, including foreshore licences, will remain with his Department. When applications for leases and rentals are being processed, the need to generate business in the areas concerned must be taken into account. There is no greater indictment of the Government or the industry than the availability of vacant sites. Weed killer costs money but industry brings income. It is heartbreaking to see vacant sites which could be the base for thriving businesses. The State owns the foreshore and, naturally, expects a return from it. We welcome a return from all foreshore activities, but we need to ensure the governance of licences and leases will allow for transparency and fairness in order that the fishing industry will be treated with the respect it deserves and the foreshore will be protected and promoted. All of us would benefit from such a policy.

I ask the Minister to clarify, if possible, whether those who will monitor adherence to the revised legislation will have a cross-departmental mandate. We do not need and cannot afford an army of monitors if each of them brings only the perspective of his or her respective Department. Subject to clarification on the issues I have raised, Sinn Féin will be supporting the Bill on Second Stage.

See this speech in context