Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I recall discussing this Bill in its most recent guise several years ago and another even prior to that. Like the rivers, the harbours go on forever. Given the contribution of my colleague, Deputy Naughten, our maritime nation should recognise the importance of harbours and their development and the important role that such developments or a lack thereof can play in the commercial life of society. I compliment the various Governments of recent years on taking the initiative and developing a number of coastal harbours. However, much remains to be done in that regard and countless harbours and fishing ports could be developed to a greater extent. In turn, this could lead to the generation of commercial activity, be it leisure, fishing or so on. We have not made full use of the type of visionary development that is possible.

Several years ago, I was on holiday in one of our competitor states in the EU. I found that a whole region had been transformed by the development of a marina, an artificial beach and many ancillary facilities. We do not have the summer sunshine enjoyed by some countries, but it is worth knowing that the country in question has completely changed the area's quality of life and its value. It has done this by virtue of a simple intervention that was consistent with good planning, lent itself to the area's aesthetics at all times and did not breach any environmental rules or regulations on preserving the area's natural development. In the context of the Bill, we would do well to reconsider what development potential exists and to determine how far we could push the boat out, no pun intended.

Deputy Naughten's point on the involvement of harbour police or immigration authorities in the supervision of activities at ports was well made. It is good that most countries have stricter interpretations of the rules without being repressive. We must recognise the need to be up to date and compliant with international developments and codes in policing and immigration.

I do not live in a maritime county, but I was born in one. There are more harbours in my constituency than there are in most other countries, given our number of canals, including two main ones. There are harbours everywhere. Not for one moment am I suggesting that they present the same opportunities, but there is considerable scope for the development of sporting and recreational activity, as the Minister of State opposite knows well from his constituency. We have not even attempted to grasp the full extent to which harbours can be developed, be they maritime or inland harbours or controlled by maritime authorities, inland waterways authorities or Waterways Ireland. We can regenerate a great deal of activity in water sports through the development of various tourist based support facilities without in any way interfering or damaging the environment or way of life of those who live in their environs. Considerable work has been done in the Lough Erne and Shannon catchment areas. Apropos this legislation, the Minister might examine the full extent to which we can develop water sports recreational facilities in harbours with a view to maximising employment. In times such as these we should avail of every opportunity to maximise employment.

I wish to refer to harbour developments I have observed overseas, mainly while on holiday. At first glance one would not recognise that a development is, in fact, an artificial add-on development, for example, where the foreshore has been extended, land having been reclaimed from the sea, and facilities provided in harmony with the existing environment in a way that is hugely beneficial to employment creation and the provision of recreational facilities which are necessary at all times.

Our fisheries sector seems to have waned at little, for want of a better description, in recent years. That is the sad reality. It may well be that in the future we will rediscover the value of our sea fisheries which I hope will not be closed down. Having visited various fishing harbours, the tradition of fishing is obvious. Many families are dependent on the sea for their livelihoods. It is a difficult way of life, often fraught with danger. Sadly, we can recall many such instances. Given that some features of commercial activity have gone through tough times or that such activity has diminished, we should examine the alternatives and future prospects to determine the possibility of revitalising such activity. This legislation presents an opportunity to revisit and develop this sector through a combination of commercial and new recreational activity. I do not want to dwell on the development that has taken place in other countries, but given that there has been such development, there is no reason it cannot happen here with equal beneficial effect. The Minister of State might take some of these suggestions on board, not forgetting the potential of our inland harbours which are equally important.

Section 20 provides for the transfer of ministerial responsibility for the Irish Maritime Development Office to the Minister for Transport which was achieved by virtue of SI 842 of 2005. The amendment proposes to reflect the transfer by inserting a reference to the Minister for Transport in section 4A of the Maritime Institute Act 1991. Further amendments provide for the application of an additional function to the office in respect of the ports and ports services sector and for a minor addition to the explanation of the term "shipping services" in the section. Reference has been made to the development of shipping services. I am sure my good friend and colleague will make reference to the need for certain shipping services to ensure tourism and commercial development. Our friends in Cork have provided for the restoration of certain links with the Continent which should welcomed by all involved.

I note it has been suggested the Bill should not give rise to any direct cost to the Exchequer. I am certain that is true and if so, it must be a first. During my time in the House I do not know of a Bill that has not had some implications for the Exchequer.

There is a proposal to transfer certain responsibilities from the local authorities to An Bord Pleanála. This will come under the heading of the strategic infrastructural deficit. As I said previously, this can be a good move. The identification of infrastructural deficits in a particular area that need to be addressed is a positive step. However, it should never follow that because there is a deficit all contrary views should be set aside. There must be a degree of balance. I have spoken about this matter previously in the House and have had good reason to do so on a number of occasions in my constituency. In the context of this proposal, I emphasise that due regard must be had to the fact that in identifying infrastructural deficits and the need for a response to ensure issues are addressed, it should not automatically follow that the views of local people who might have genuine concerns about the possible environmental impact of proposals on an area are always right, but they do have a view that needs to be heard. That applies to all developments under this heading.

The Bill, as set out, has considerable potential. It can ensure positive developments in assisting in the generation and regeneration of activity in our ports and harbours, particularly given the need to do so at this time.

On one occasion I tabled a question to the Minister for Transport and learned that the Minister's area of responsibility only extended as far as the shoreline, that responsibility for the area beyond it came within the remit of the Minister with responsibility for the marine. There is a proposal to streamline this. I do not wish to suggest how Departments could be configured, but there is a relationship between transport and the marine that needs to be borne in mind to a greater extent that it has in the past. There is a certain degree of continuity that can flow from a meeting of minds on transport issues beyond the shoreline which would be to the benefit of the country. The proposal made in this respect will encourage investment in port companies, which is as it should be. Local initiatives and investment should be encouraged.

I hope that, as a result of the passing of this legislation, we will not see a situation - as has happened on many occasions - where questions asked of the Minister relating to the subject matter of the Bill will be met with the response that the Minister has no responsibility to the House. In recent times Ministers have introduced legislation which tends to offload responsibility to a quango and from then on the Minister has no responsibility, except to have occasional meetings with the board or executive of the quango concerned. That is not the way it is supposed to be. Where the relevant Minister introduces legislation governing the area for which he or she has responsibility, he or she should continue to have that responsibility and reply to questions in the House, for instance, whenever he or she is asked about the development of whatever facilities are in place or what future plans he or she might have. It is not sufficient to say the Minister is very busy directing policy and working at a very high level and that as a result, he or she could not possibly have the time to deal with the minutiae. I do not accept such an argument, nor do I accept that the technicalities of the administration of such matters at local level are beyond the competence of the Minister to comprehend. In the first instance, if the Department deems it appropriate that the Minister should bring forward the relevant legislation governing the operation of the areas for which he or she is responsible, the Minister or Minister of State should accept full responsibility when questions are raised in the House; neither should he or she be afraid to come into the House to answer such questions. Such responsibility empowers the Minister, gives greater credence to ministerial office and accords greater respect to the House. This is a win-win, both for the House and Ministers.

I do not wish to delay the House any further other than to say I hope the legislation will represent an improvement and present openings for initiatives and ensure the possibilities for development are fully availed of resulting in economic benefit. Unfortunately, much legislation has passed through the House during the years, some of which left a lot to be desired. It is hoped this Bill will not be such legislation and that there will be a net benefit in the national interest.

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