Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

Two will be plenty.

I welcome the Bill's introduction by the Minister of State, Deputy Killeen. Like Deputy Barrett, I had the pleasure of being the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, when I had responsibility for foreshore licences. It must be one of the most bureaucratic and frustrating areas in which to work. It is not appropriate to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, but to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. I hope this legislation will ensure an efficient administration system. If one needs a good example of bad bureaucracy, it is this division. In this regard, I appeal to the Minister of State and to the Minister, Deputy Gormley, who is taking over the portfolio. This legislation must ensure an efficient approach to the processing of applications in what Opposition Deputies have rightly described as a significant area of offshore and onshore development.

Since the Bill will be passed through the Dáil quickly, I ask that we be given an opportunity at a later date to discuss the administrative and policy arrangements that will operate in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. It is vital that we no longer have road blocks in the issuing of foreshore licences. As Deputies Higgins and Burke stated, it is important that many of the frustrations and blockages to date be brought to an end. It is critically important that this area, which is of particular significance for offshore energy, is developed. The innovation associated with this type of industry should be also attached to the development of foreshore licences, marine technologies, fishing and aquaculture. It is appropriate that this sector should come under the aegis of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

I support the initiative being taken by the Minister of State.

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