Brendan Kenneally (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister and his officials. I am glad to have the opportunity of speaking on the Bill. However, I must admit to being somewhat confused because two weeks ago we debated the Oil Pollution of the Sea (Civil Liability and Compensation) (Amendment) Bill 2003, which is similar to a large extent to the measure before us. Part of that confusion arises because I assumed the protocol to the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation 1990 would have been included in the previous Bill. However, I am sure there are very good reasons for its inclusion here. I have also noticed some other similarities with the previous Bill, including the conversion of international units of account into the currency of the State and also the issuing of compulsory insurance certificates.

We cannot have any discussion on the pollution of the sea without considering the marine environment and particularly the urgent restoration and maintenance of fish stocks. It is important that there should be a strengthening of regional fisheries organisations and we should also include improved data collection and compliance with the various measures laid down by different states.