Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I have a different query to which I need the answer because I will be meeting the people involved over the coming days. There was a difficulty on the inner waterways of Lough Ree, a scenic and beautiful lake that is used by many people. One enters from a little cut from the main body of the lough and onto the inner waterways, which is where the jet skis were causing problems.

I understood the North-South status of Waterways Ireland from our debate in June 2004. The county manager of the local authority meets with Oireachtas Members on a regular basis. At a recent meeting, the programme manager with responsibility for this area stated the authority cannot enforce fines on people causing an environmental nuisance because it does not have the power. Has this issue been settled? All I want is a straight answer as I have not received one.

I am interested in Senator O'Toole's comments on the registration of small craft and whatever. The inner waterways of Lough Ree did not fall under the same umbrella of other inland waterways for some reason, as mentioned by Minister of State, Deputy John Browne, in 2004. Who has the authority to impose fines and what are the fines? If this Bill becomes an Act, will someone be given the necessary powers?