Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Browne. Like Senator O'Rourke, I ask whether lakes in the west such as Lough Carra, Lough Corrib and Lough Mask are covered by the Bill. While I understand that local authorities have powers, do they only apply to coastal areas? This activity occurs in our lakes where people may be fishing, sunbathing and so forth, particularly during the summer.

While jet skiing is causing serious problems for those out to enjoy themselves, I do not wish to outlaw it. I agree with Senator Daly that areas should be designated for such activities, whether on the coast, lakes or otherwise. However, those going to the coast or lakes for other activities should know that jet skiing is allowed and that they will have to take precautions. Power-boating is a growing sport on the Continent, in the United States and world-wide, and is advertised on Sky Television and other media, and it is only natural that young people would be attracted to it. Therefore, it is important the Minister considers designating areas for this type of sport to take place, whether on the coast, lakes or otherwise. If provisions are made in this regard, those who visit waterside locations will know that this activity is taking place. Local authorities or other enforcing authorities will also be aware of it and can make special arrangements to highlight it. We must live with this activity and the Bill should reflect that. It is deficient in not doing so. Although I welcome the Bill we must have control over these matters because people's lives are at risk. The legislation should provide for all kinds of activities to take place.

The Minister of State explained that the Bill makes provisions in the areas of age restrictions, the carriage and wearing of life jackets and restrictions on the use of alcohol and drugs. I wonder how he intends to control the use of drugs and alcohol on boats. How will he implement this provision? Will there be a breathalyser test? How will he establish whether a person has taken an excessive amount of alcohol or drugs? Will this only apply to the person in control of the boat at the time, or will anybody who is on the boat when it is in breach of a regulation, for example, where there has been speeding, be subject to a fine if they have consumed an excessive amount of alcohol, even though they may not be causing problems?

The Minister should explain more clearly how the provisions dealing with the use of alcohol and drugs will be enforced and who will be liable to prosecution under the regulations resulting from the Bill. It is important that we know this. People who are on a boat for pleasure and have had a few cans of beer may, without realising it, be facing fines of €1,000 or €2,000.

I welcome the Bill. As Senator Daly said, it should fulfil our obligation to make provisions for water sport activities, if necessary by designating areas for these activities within local authority areas. We cannot outlaw that type of sport all over the country. Some provisions will have to be made.