Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

The Deputies have made four different points, one of which is relevant to the amendment. The question of abolishing and setting up the Marine Institute was discussed on Second Stage and I set out the reasons and history regarding this country and other countries. Deputy Barrett mentioned his committee's proposals previously, which refer to another Department. Regarding the research trials, my recollection and understanding is that the Marine Institute has approval for its research sites in Galway Bay and that a site investigation licence was issued for the only other one, of which I am aware, in the Mayo area, but it was not acted upon for reasons that had nothing to do with the grid or the granting of the licence. I understand they were for the reasons I outlined on Second Stage.

Regarding the amendment, the Bill is specifically concerned with transferring foreshore functions from one Department to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has indicated that he intends to reform significantly the foreshore legislation. As I outlined at the end of Second Stage, three phases are involved, one of which was completed in September 2008. This legislation represents the second stage and the third stage which involves a degree of consultation with stakeholders and the wider public will come next, which the Minister, Deputy Gormley, has indicated he intends doing.

Of course I agree with the arguments and principle outlined by Deputy Creed because we want to see this happening as quickly as possible. However, it would be entirely inappropriate to time-constrain a process that requires the input of stakeholders and interested parties into the legislation. It would be inappropriate if the third phase, modernising the foreshore licensing in legislation, was constrained in time and not done properly. While I understand the intent and obviously will use any influence I have to have it happen as quickly as possible, we need to have a reasonable degree of consultation.

All the major issues outlined by Deputies Higgins, Ferris, Cuffe and virtually every other speaker in elements of their speeches are taken into account.

See this speech in context