Maeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I thank Dr. Stanley for coming before the committee to address a very important issue. I am delighted it is something we are beginning to focus on as a Government and a State. I apologise for stepping out. I had to go to another committee meeting for voting purposes.

Dr. Stanley has addressed some of my questions. She mentioned the Department is engaging with various Departments on this area. I appreciate she cannot necessarily always answer the questions we have on the day. Does Dr. Stanley envisage that all of this will have to be brought under one Department to achieve the overall objectives of any policy outcome? Is this something that is being considered as part of the policy outcomes?

Does Dr. Stanley anticipate a level of investment will be attached to the outcomes of the initial review of all of this? In response to Deputy Ó Laoghaire, Dr. Stanley mentioned the space aspect. What is the vertical height for maritime security that we are considering as part of this strategy? Where does it end? How does Dr. Stanley see this policy interacting with some of the environmental aspects?

I know we have an Irish whale and dolphin sanctuary around our coast. That is well recognised and well respected. Is that being taken into account as well in developing this strategy?