John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I wish to share time with Deputies Hayes and Crawford.

One of the shocking elements of next year's Estimates is the way in which the Government proposes to deal with the national seabed survey. The survey is one of the largest research projects undertaken, yet funding has been cut by a massive 72%. This is Government mismanagement at its worst because Ireland's seabed is an important resource. The national seabed encompasses an area ten times the size of Ireland. This is a significant resource but, to fully understand it, it must first be investigated, together with its potential. Those working on the project have done fantastic work, but they have more to do and cutting their funding will not serve anybody well. Most of Ireland's seabed is unmapped and a major untapped resource. An enormous opportunity awaits on our doorstep. The Government must maximise the commercial opportunities available while also striving to protect this valuable resource. How can either be done when we do not understand the seabed fully? The Estimates reveal that the Government has reduced the level of funding from €3.5 million to €1 million. Those involved in the project, whom I have met, are highly respected and doing a fantastic job. Such developments must be encouraged. Cutting funding for such important work makes no sense whatsoever.

The Estimates also reveal that a number of key functions of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources will be transferred to the Department of Transport. It is bad enough that the Government feels maritime issues are of such little importance that they do not merit a separate portfolio but part of the portfolio will be transferred to the Minister of Transport who is responsible for the infamous Transport 21 plan. I am disappointed that the Minister has left the Chamber. According to the Book of Estimates, funding under Transport 21 will be provided for fencing posts and wire on the rail line between Claremorris and Sligo on State property, but the Government is determined to build roads through County Sligo. The N17 is the most treacherous road in the country and will not be improved for the next ten years, while it will be 2030 before West-on-Track's proposals are met.

Transferring sections from the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to subsections of another Department demonstrates contempt for maritime affairs. The Department has denied there are immediate plans to transfer responsibility for fisheries and aquaculture to the Department of Agriculture and Food. Is that the next trick up the Government's sleeve? Two ill-thought out developments were announced last week by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. The Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2005 involved no consultation with industry representatives and is a disgraceful document.

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