Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

It is regrettable that the Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, was not able to take Report and Final Stages because, as Deputy McManus said, it would have shown a connection from his father's time and I think that should be marked.

Like Deputy McManus, I too wish to acknowledge the presence in the Visitors Gallery of people who have spent significant amounts of time on a voluntary, non-paid basis in the protection and development of our fisheries, for community benefit and gain. I thank my officials. We have a very small Department with very limited resources which have been significantly cut back in recent years as budgetary constraints have come into play. My officials have shown outstanding public service and have done very good work in getting this Bill through the House, considering the limited resources at their disposal, and I commend and thank them.

This is a good piece of legislative work. I am glad we are able to accept amendments arising out of the Committee Stage debate as this is the appropriate way of using the legislative process to fine-tune and improve legislation. The amendments show that the attitude in our Department is progressive and positive and open to listening and, where it is possible and correct, to make amendments. I commend and thank the Deputies opposite for their work in that regard and I wish the new authority well when it is established.

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