Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

If the Minister of State could clarify the matter I raised, it would be helpful.

On amendment No. 123, I have huge concerns. The sale of marine areas which are State-owned could be done by MARA as opposed to the Minister. Will the Minister of State clarify what areas of the marine and seabed we are talking about? Would a sale involve the land under the seabed? Does it include the area above the seabed? What is included in it? The territorial seas extend 12 nautical miles from the shore. What oversight and safeguards would be in place? On what basis would decisions be made to sell or not sell?

The key difference her is that if a Minister sells public land, there is accountability. The Minister is politically accountable to the Oireachtas and the public through elections and everything else. If a body such as MARA sells public land, there is not the same level of accountability. It is a public body accountable to the Minister but the individuals on the board would not have the same level of accountability to the public or the democratic process as the Minister has. Having the ability to sell reside with the Minister provides a political and democratic safeguard. A board is not subject to the same level of direct democratic accountability and scrutiny. That is a key concern I have. I ask the Minister of State to address those points specifically around accountability and safeguards.