Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

I am advised that "the island of Ireland" is defined in section 3 in the context of and for the sole purpose of the regulation of an all-island wholesale electricity market, as set out in the Long Title of the Bill and as prescribed in subsection 3(6), and for no other purpose. This definition is drafted to ensure account is taken of the islands within the Irish jurisdiction in developing an all-island electricity market. As the definition is provided solely for the purpose of this section of the Bill, it could never be invoked in respect of other matters such as fisheries and mineral exploration rights. Therefore, a more detailed definition of "Irish seas" is not necessary for the purpose of this legislation.

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