John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

From the State's perspective a huge debt of gratitude is owed to those who do this voluntary work.

I am concerned the legislation does not go far enough. A balance must be struck between over-regulation and making the waters available for everyone's use. Unfortunately, a degree of irresponsibility on our waters is evident, particularly during the summer months, with persons with little or no experience operating high-powered engines on the backs of speedboats and RIBs. One positive provision contained in the Bill is that authorised persons, mainly harbour masters, will now speak with greater authority as it will be passed down via harbour boards and commissions. Up to now, when a harbour master attempted to stop and correct an individual's improper use of a boat in a harbour area, the boat operator more or less gave them the two fingers. With this legislation, the harbour masters are empowered to deal with this. This is a welcome development as many harbour masters are experienced with great knowledge of the competent and incompetent users of their waterways.

Senator O'Toole raised the registration of boats and I agree that all boats operating above ten horsepower should carry a licence. I am being reasonable by choosing ten horsepower as a threshold. Following Senator O'Toole's suggestion of hull registration, there should be a decal type number visible from ten metres. A system of traceability is necessary to prevent people operating illegally and improperly on our waters.

A 200 horsepower engine on the back of a six metre RIB can be given as a birthday present to a 17 year old child. I am concerned that the child is then entitled to operate that boat on the water without any form of training or experience. Should further restrictions be advocated? Should the operation of a powerboat with a certain size engine be only allowed to those who hold a powerboat certificate or licence? The master of the craft is ultimately responsible. Obviously, introducing such legislation would unfairly impose on those who have operated on the waters over the years. I have taken safety courses conducted by the Irish Sailing Association. Though I had a fair amount of experience on the water, I learned much during the courses, even if it was correcting bad habits.

It may be time for those authorised officers, as defined in the Bill, to be given the authority to issue licences to people known by them who have operated boats for years. Thereafter, when a new boat with a 250 horsepower engine arrives with two 17 year olds, the harbour master can insist on an operating licence and all necessary courses to have been completed. I am not advocating that the legislation be immediately changed toinclude this provision because I am conscious of over-regulating a predominantly leisure activity. However, we have a responsibility to protect and safeguard those who are operating for leisure and social facilities from cowboys and cowgirls.