Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I echo the Cathaoirleach’s comments. This is very significant legislation. I am grateful for the work of the Department and our officials in regard to how they have progressed it. It has been fully underwritten by public consultation throughout the island of Ireland, with many stakeholder groups and meetings through the national marine planning framework, NMPF, our overarching document for the management of our maritime area. I am grateful also to all the communities that have engaged in the consultation process. Through the NMPF, I had the great privilege of chairing the advisory group in which many stakeholders were involved and had their say. This is pivotal legislation we are putting through the Oireachtas. It is a very exciting space and it is a privilege to work with officials in the Department leading this key policy item for the Government and the Thirty-third Dáil.