Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I am pleased to contribute to the debate on this Bill and I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy John Browne, and his officials to the House. However, the Bill is not what I am seeking. The lakes of the Shannon are not included because they come under the North-South bodies. I understand why the Minister of State could not include these lakes because of the North-South body, of which I used to be a member. The exclusion from the provisions of the Bill of waters controlled and managed by Waterways Ireland reflects the cross-Border nature of that body and the structures in place between the two jurisdictions under the North-South Ministerial Council. Waterways Ireland has powers under its legislation, notably the Canals Act 1986 and the Shannon Navigation Act 1990, to regulate and control navigation in waters under its control in the State.

While I welcome the Bill, I need to know precisely what waters it covers. I am concerned that it does not cover the lakes of the Shannon, particularly the inner lakes of Lough Ree, on which there is huge bravado and showing off. There is something about getting on the water on skis, which sends the blood to a young man's head, and perhaps young women's heads. If these lakes are not covered, we should send out a message to Waterways Ireland that it should get its act together and copy what is being done in this Bill. There is no doubt this measure is needed because there is something about the open waters, skis, wind and speed which fires up people and causes offence. A friend of mine has a lovely boat on which we travelled one Sunday last summer. Two of these so-called offenders passed by us with huge gusto and, while one likes to see these people enjoying themselves, they, in turn, spoil the enjoyment of others.

I will not be here to hear the Minister of State's reply so perhaps he will reply to me in writing. Will this legislation affect the waters I traverse, including the Shannon, Lough Ree, the canal up to Ballinamore and the inner lakes of Lough Ree, Lough Derg and Lough Allen? This aspect will not be dealt with until someone in Waterways Ireland cocks their ear. As the Minister of State takes his duties very seriously, perhaps he will contact Waterways Ireland and point out that these issues were raised in the House and Senators from the areas concerned would like to see the same care extended to these waters as will be extended to other waters.

As the waters which will be covered are not named, I hope the Minister of State will list them in his reply and my colleagues, Senator O'Meara or Senator Daly, will let me know what waters will be affected. The waters Senator Glynn eulogised do not stand to be affected for the good. We need to know what the legislation covers. While it is a fine aspiration, I want to know what it covers, and how the waters, which are not covered can be dealt with under the Maritime Safety Bill.