Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will refer to a technical matter. With regard to section 5, I do not propose an amendment, but I intend to bring forward an amendment on Report Stage to update the title of Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to the current title of Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, where it appears. I also intend to bring forward a textual amendment on Report Stage to correct the subsection number on page 7, line 7, which should refer to subsection (6), not subsection (4).

I understand from where the Deputy is coming on amendment No. 3, but it is not necessary. There are existing by-laws in place since 1988 and they have not been changed. It is not necessary to qualify the section further. The maximum dimensions set out are 18.7 m in length, 4 m in beam - the width - and 1.2 m in draft - the depth. The canals have not changed in size since 1988. The size is also determined by the width of the lock chamber and the depth of the canal. While I understand the Deputy's concern, it is already sufficiently covered and the legislation is sufficiently adequate.

With regard to amendment No. 10, Waterways Ireland is in the business of keeping the canals open. It is investing in them for the benefit of users. Therefore, the Deputy's amendment is not necessary. It would be overly restrictive and limit the closing of navigations to emergencies. I mentioned land drainage, flood management and the loss of water. Waterways Ireland regularly issues marine notices, which I also mentioned. Therefore, I cannot accept either of the Deputy's amendments, but I thank him for proposing them.