Brendan Kenneally (Fianna Fail)

I, too, welcome the Minister of State. This is indicative of the way in which we do our work in the Dáil and Seanad. Discussing items in both Houses means that changes can be made in either House. These issues receive a very good hearing and, by and large, we end up with very good legislation. I would be surprised if either of the Opposition spokespersons had difficulty with this legislation. Given what the Minister of State said, it appears the amendments, by and large, were tabled by members of their parties and accepted by the Government, which is good.

The Minister of State has said amendment No. 11 precludes ministerial involvement in groups of sea fishing boat licensing cases, as well as in individual cases. While I do not have a difficulty with this, from time to time, we seem to put such matters at arm's length and afterwards cry about it. When we are all back in the other House at some stage, we will perhaps want to table parliamentary questions to the Minister about sea fishing boat licences and will be told he has no responsibility in this matter. Members should then remember they were happy to table the amendment in question.

It is not clear how the registrar general of fishing boats will be appointed. Perhaps the Minister of State will expand on this issue. Apart from this I am happy with the amendments.