Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies who contributed, many of whom made relevant and constructive comments, while others made comments about other areas that are outside the subject matter of the debate. We will respond as best we can to the matters that were raised.

I thank the House for agreeing to debate the motion and allocating time to it. It is very rare to seek approval such as this for a commencement order from the Oireachtas. However, it provides us with an opportunity to consider this and discuss other areas relating to our marine environment. I want to make something clear to some Members who believe some matters are preordained. I stated earlier that commencing this legislation does not commit us to any particular course of action.

Regarding aquaculture, the Chairman on the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Matthews, gave a very important contribution here today. The marine planning and development Bill is a priority for the Government. The committee has already made a recommendation on how the potential of aquaculture can be realised in the future in a balanced way. Like other speakers, I also represent a coastal constituency. I have lived in my home area for my entire life and I have a great regard for our marine environment and its potential. The Government is absolutely on the right path.

It is unfortunate that is some who contributed earlier used this debate to attack others. That is not what this is about. This is a significant day because we are discussing the full decommissioning of these facilities, as Deputy Matthews outlined earlier on. We can look back 40 years to when exploration in these fields was happening and now, we are looking at how we can carry out their full decommissioning.

The former Minister, Deputy Naughten, raised some issues which have been passed to officials and answers will be forthcoming to him on the possibility of some of these fields being used for carbon storage in the future. That is still being looked at. A steering group has been established and it will report in due course on the potential use of these sites in the future.

The Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, is doing crucial work on marine protected areas. On 15 February, we will commence a six-month consultation with all stakeholders, including fishing communities, coastal communities and other interested parties. It is a very significant piece of work and the Government is committed to expanding the marine protected areas and to working with our coastal communities as well.

The Government has been very clear on the actions we are taking regarding climate action. Some of those who contributed earlier on may say that they are also committed to it, but when it comes to introducing any measures that will genuinely tackle climate change in real terms, they oppose it or they will want to be Tadhg an dá thaobh on things. They will say they want to back one group versus another group without any real change. Change is important and needs to happen in this area. What the House has agreed here today is significant and allows us to take a further step forward. It is quite exceptional here too.

We will endeavour to give answers in writing to the points raised by Members which relate to this issue where I have not had the opportunity to do so. I would suggest that Members take up other matters which do not relate to my Department or to the motion before the House with the respective line Ministers or Departments. I think the House for the opportunity to debate the motion today. I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, and the Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Matthews, for their assistance and contributions. I thank all Members who have indicated their support for the measure in the debate.

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