Mr. Richard Cronin:

I will pick up on some of the points raised by the Deputy and give some responses and context. We have noted the issue on the timing and we will take this point away. We know there is work that needs to be done on this element. A point was also raised concerning EU legislation. We have covered this in head 6. We have tried to create this articulation clearly around not only EU legislation but global obligations as well, including the United Nations conventions. Regarding the marine strategy framework directive, this reference is in head 3(1)(b) and (d). We have, therefore, made references to those aspects. We have a national marine strategy for the protection of the environment under that directive already in place. It has been in place since 2008. We have also referred to it. We are, therefore, trying to create that link in this proposed Bill. If we need to make it clearer, we can do that.