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

These interrelated amendments provide for a new section 63(1)(a)(iii), which enables MARA to render assistance to other bodies in the performance of their functions.

The section provides for co-operation agreements with other State bodies to co-ordinate and collaborate on related marine functions. The text, as initiated, inadvertently only provided for one-way rendering assistance to MARA. This amendment ensures that such agreements can provide for the authority rendering assistance to the other body.

The intention is that the authority becomes a centre of excellence for maritime usages and in the interests of allowing other bodies to avail of that expertise, rather than having separate units in house, it would be better for the State as a whole if this expertise could be shared in a manner that is underpinned by statute. In particular, smaller coastal planning authorities, among others, would benefit enormously from these amendments. The section is also about seeking to reduce duplication of efforts and maximising resources where possible.