Brendan Kenneally (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House this morning. I am not sure if it is his first time in the House since he was appointed Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources but it is certainly his first time here on official marine business. He will not have to read into that brief because he has significant knowledge of it. Civil servants often get a little worried when the Minister knows more about a brief than they do. I look forward to working with the Minister over the next few years.

I also congratulate Senator McHugh on the recent good news in his private life and on his appointment as Fine Gael spokesperson on the marine. I look forward to working with the Senator. I thank Members and the Minister's staff for their co-operation in working on this Bill.