Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I do not advocate the banning of jet skis or speedboats from our waterways, inland or otherwise. I recommend that users of such vehicles should observe good safety practice, but a small percentage of such people do not do so, unfortunately. There are great difficulties in many areas as a consequence. There are many lakes and rivers in my home county of Westmeath, which is known as "the lake county". A small proportion of people, who are not indigenous to the county, cause absolute mayhem in the area on a regular basis. They annoy swimmers and disrupt anglers during the angling season. They make a point of being particularly provocative in their actions when angling competitions are taking place.

I want amending legislation to be brought forward. I spoke on this matter yesterday at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. I have clearly stated my position to the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, whom I wish to thank for his courtesy in receiving deputations from Mullingar on two occasions. There has been a fatal accident in Cobh and I understand that accidents have also occurred elsewhere. An accident will happen on Lough Ennell in County Westmeath if something is not done very soon. Everybody is entitled to use the waterways, by all means, but regulations and legislation are needed to ensure that those who use jet skis and speedboats operate them in a way that takes cognisance of other waterway users. A specific section of any given lake should be designated for this sport because of its nature.

Local authorities should be the enforcement agencies in this regard. There is no point in giving power to local authorities without also giving them resources. If there is to be enforcement, it can only come about if resources are provided. Every boat should be licensed so that it is identifiable. Any vehicle, in the air or on land, has to have a licence plate so that it can be identified. There is no way of identifying motorised water craft because they do not have licence plates.

I ask the Minister of State, Deputy Noel Ahern, to convey to the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, and the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, my concerns and those of other Members who have spoken about this matter ad nauseam in this House and elsewhere. They have the full support of this House in their attempts to bring forward amending legislation which will enable the appropriate regulations to be made. The regulations I demand will ensure that users of lakes and other waterways can enjoy themselves in safety.