Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am quite embarrassed for the Minister given that answer. There were a lot of technical details in it at which I will look with the people there. I have to say categorically that nobody working on those boats would ever jeopardise their own or their passengers safety. The answer is quite incredible. I hope the Minister gets the opportunity to see it because it is one of those really unbelievable experiences.

There is a special relationship between the island and Fastnet lighthouse. The lighthouse was originally on Cape Clear, where it was built in the 1800s. It was on Cape Clear for quite a number of years until it moved to Fastnet. One can land on Fastnet because it was a working lighthouse until some years ago, when all the lighthouses were automated. Nobody on the boat wants to land on Fastnet. All they want to do is to go around Fastnet to see up-close the amazing architectural and engineering feat that it is. I am unsure if the Minister saw the amazing programmes on the lighthouses of Ireland that was on RTÉ. It gave a really good perspective on Fastnet.

I refer to the national marine planning framework and its vision. It states: "Our ocean wealth will be a key element of our economic recovery and sustainable growth, generating benefits for all our citizens, supported by coherent policy, planning and regulation, and managed in an integrated manner." This is one way to generate benefits for people on an island who are struggling because the population is going down and they face quite a number of challenges.

This boat can carry 100 people in comfort, style and safety. It came from Norway, where it was operating all year round. There are more severe sea conditions there, but it is not allowed to travel around or near Fastnet during the summer months. It is quite incredible that the other boats can operate but this particular fast and comfortable ferry cannot. I hope this decision can be reviewed because this is a new boat. Why can this not be looked at again?

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