Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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We are an island nation so we all know the importance of seas not just in terms of access to our shores but also with regard to the preservation of nature and biodiversity and, as Ms Uí Bhroin put it so articulately, the importance of achieving a sustainable economy and future. We know that to achieve that, we must get from 8% to 30% in terms of protected areas. We know that, the EU knows that and the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, who is here with us today, knows that and I believe is 100% committed to that.

I come from the corporate world so I am all about targets and mapping out how to achieve them and by which deadline. Mr. Fogarty spoke of at least 30% and at least 10%, respectively. The legislation, as we have discussed, provides for up to 30% and up to 10%, which, as Mr. Fogarty said, is an EU requirement. Ms Uí Bhroin spoke about the Bill having scope for delays and how she thought it was weak when it comes to implementation. She suggested that the text needs to be stronger and state "the Minister shall" and remove the phrase "to the extent possible and appropriate" to ensure the Minister shall designate 10%, rather than up to 10%, of the maritime area as MPAs as soon as is practicable after commencement of the Bill, and at least 30% of the maritime area as MPAs by 2030. She is suggesting we take out some of that wiggle room where we say "to the extent possible and appropriate" and take out "up to" and make the targets rounded and fresh at 10% and 30%. Would that be much stronger and satisfy the requirements?