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

Amendment No. 282 is required to make it a licensable activity to disturb or remove seaweed deposited or washed up on the beach below the high-water mark by the action of tides, waves or wind. In the initiated text, paragraph 12 of Schedule 7 relied on the definition of "beach material" as set out in the Foreshore Act 1933, as amended. This definition includes a reference to seaweed. There is, therefore, an overlap between paragraphs 10 and 12, as drafted, and the potential double licensing requirement. In order to more appropriately regulate and manage this activity in and around the coastline, I am proposing to separate seaweed from beach material in order that existing rights to harvest can be specifically addressed by regulation, and in order that a specific policy framework can be developed over time that will specifically apply to licences under this category of maritime usage. As can be seen, it provides a more comprehensive description of the activity than previously set out. This amendment, combined with the revision in paragraph 12, will provide for an appropriate delineation between these categories of maritime usage.

Amendment No. 283 is a technical amendment to address a number of deficiencies in paragraph 12, as set out in the initiated text. The initiated text relies on the definition that is set out in the Foreshore Act 1933, which, in itself, is less than satisfactory because, over time, the relevant section may be repealed. This definition repeats most of the text of the existing definition but also includes additional substances, such as maerl, which can be inert when calcified, not adequately covered by the term "coral". This is an important substance that can be taken without resource at present and should now be properly regulated.