Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Ba mhaith liom úsáid a bhaint as an chúpla bomaite atá agam chun mo bhuíochas a chur in iúl do na Seanadóirí a ghlac páirt sa díospóireacht seo i rith an lae. Is iad sin na Seanadóirí Kenneally, O'Meara, O'Toole, Phelan agus O'Rourke, daoine a chuir an-suim sa díospóireacht seo, agus is dóigh liom go mbeidh an tacaíocht chéanna ag teacht ó na Seanadóirí eile nach raibh ábalta bheith anseo inniu. Mar a dúirt an Seanadóir O'Toole, cuireadh tús leis an reachtaíocht anseo, agus tar éis na díospóireachta ar an Dara Céim, leis na leasuithe atá tugtha isteach agam féin agus ag an Fhreasúra, beidh an Bille seo i bhfad níos treise agus níos féarr.

I thank Senators for their support for the amendments which I sponsored. Many of the amendments arose as a consequence of the Second Stage debate which took place last year. That comprehensive debate reflects the importance of the Seanad. I also recognise the amendments submitted by Senators, a number of which I was able to accept. I hope Senators understand and appreciate the rationale I offered in respect of those two or three others I did not accept.

The Bill, as amended, is a considerable advance on the original in terms of protecting our waters against the improper use of fast-powered craft. In addition, it clearly provides for the promulgation of safety codes by me as Minister of State with responsibility for marine matters to secure the safe and proper operation of vessels generally. I assure Members that water safety will remain a priority on my agenda. I salute the courage and professionalism, as noted by other speakers, of all involved in our marine rescue services, comprising the official and voluntary sector. I trust the Bill will ensure greater safety awareness on the part of all water users and will reduce pressure on the services. If people act more responsibly, not only will they not be putting their own lives at risk; they will also not be putting the lives of those in the rescue services at risk.

As far as holding a review at a later stage is concerned, let us get the Bill through first, and I will give consideration to the proposal thereafter. The Bill has been substantially changed, so I will publish a new memorandum for the Bill as amended by the Seanad. I thank Senators for their kind words and, I think, for the fact that the Bill has changed substantially. It was important that Senators received briefing material explaining the many amendments that I found it necessary to introduce. I recognise the long hours and days of work that have been put into the Bill by officials in my Department. I thank Senators for also recognising that fact, and I concur with their sentiments.