Ms Attracta U? Bhroin:

Absolutely. That needs to be clarified. There are related areas of confusion in terms of how these MPAs will invariably overlap with MPA interests. What is set out in the Maritime Area Planning Act in respect of limited jurisdiction of State authorities in areas that have been granted a maritime area consent is an area of immediate concern in the Bill, with MACs having been granted. MARA is an authorised body and can appoint other authorised bodies. There is a very small set of authorised bodies. Effectively, it would seem to us, on a brief perusal of the Bill, that the authority of existing agencies and bodies is limited by virtue of the Maritime Area Planning Act in areas which have been granted a maritime area consent. That is something that needs to be resolved urgently.