Mr. Roger Harrington:

If I can comment on the Deputy's remarks, yes this has been ongoing. The Deputy is absolutely right. Resources have been sought internally within the Department on a number of occasions to progress this in a more timely fashion. I need, however, to give the committee today a rounded picture of the work we undertake. It is also included in the briefing note that we supplied to the committee. I refer to other important work ongoing in the marine environment space. We work closely on other research projects with organisations such as An Taisce. That is important work in respect of raising awareness. I would like to reflect on that. While this legislation is not where we all would have hoped it would be, it is not that no work is being done in this particular area. On the timescale issue, the Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, has said he would like to see this legislation become law this year.