John Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

The Minister has already raised the issue with the Commissioner at EU level. I am aware there is also a view that EU Heads of State should discuss the situation at the next summit and express the concern of the different countries about America sending such ghost ships through our waters. We will also bring it to the Taoiseach's attention.

Amendment agreed to.

Government amendment No. 11:

In page 18, to delete lines 44 to 47 and substitute the following:

"(4) A person who contravenes this section shall be guilty of an offence.'.".

Amendment No. 11 revises the text of subsection (4), recommended by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, incorporating amendments which are consequential to section 35 and this section.

Amendment agreed to.

Section 21, as amended, agreed to.

SECTION 22.

Government amendment No. 12:

In page 19, to delete lines 3 to 48 and substitute the following:

"'(3) For the purposes of the Sea Pollution Acts 1991 to 2003, an authorised officer may–