Mr. Conor McCabe:

The Chairman's questions are very specific in one sense about the policy areas. Regarding what the NMPF does, the method we have used to bring things together involves existing policies being captured and brought up to date by Departments and agencies responsible for them and then placed within the framework. We have also highlighted certain policy gaps that have been or will be addressed.

In terms of applications, it fills a gap that has been in existence for some time in that decision makers looking at that land-sea interaction mentioned in the Chairman's third point will have the policy basis to make decisions taking everything into account from wastewater treatment through to the terrestrial harm engine.

I do not have any comment to make right now regarding the question about bathing water. It is certainly something the implementation of the NMPF can look at but that would be guided by the bodies responsible for that such as local authorities, the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, and those responsible for the water framework directive. I will have to come back to the Chairman with a document with regard to the fish question that should go through the intricacies and specific nature of the question. I do not have that information to hand.

I might ask Mr. O'Meara to answer the question about sea swimming and water. He might have a few words to say on the promotion of a year-round sea swimming strategy.