Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House to discuss this important legislation. Having read the Bill in detail over the past number of days, it appears to be technical in nature, but like many technical Bills it includes some practical effects. Coming from County Clare, which has a long coastline, I see the importance of this Bill. Senator Daly is a former Minister with responsibility for the marine, but unfortunately he cannot be here due to commitments in Strasbourg. His experience gives him some expertise in this matter, and having discussed the Bill with him, I will try to alert the House to some of his concerns.

Will the Minister clarify the issue of compensation for sea-fishing fleets where stocks were depleted by a hazardous material entering Irish waters, particularly if it occurred in proximity to inland waterways, such as exist in County Clare? I appreciate that inland waterways flow out to sea but if there was an transfer of noxious or hazardous materials from the sea to inland waterways would compensation transcend to those areas? Any effects such as transfer of disease or bacteria would be significant for salmon fishing in County Clare. I could not see any provision for this in the Bill but perhaps the Minister of State or an official could enlighten us on that.

The Bill has the potential to offer protection to the tourism sector. In the Shannon Estuary a school of dolphins forms a central part of the marine tourism project operated out of Kilrush marina. Any damage to it would have a significant impact on the region's tourism potential. The same applies to Dingle and other parts of the western coastline. It would be of great comfort if the Bill had the effect of underwriting any damage to this wildlife and potential tourism. I am sure Senator Finucane, from the other side of the Shannon Estuary, would also welcome clarification on this.

Tourism is of great significance along the entire west coast and the mid-west region. The Cliffs of Moher are one of the biggest tourist attractions in the west of Ireland, currently being developed by Clare County Council which aims to spend €30 million on a visitor centre. The water plays a significant role in the quality and image of that product, even though there is no access to it. Do the protections afforded in the Bill stretch to other existing land-based tourist attractions or those with tourism potential which would be significantly affected if noxious or hazardous material were deposited in the water?

Unlike an oil spill, if an accident left noxious or hazardous materials in the water, airborne particles could get into the atmosphere, which would have a significant effect on the desire of tourists to visit attractions. Does the Bill offer protection for Clare County Council as the operator of the new visitor centre? Would it be able to take a claim against the insurers of the operation?

It is useful to see such legislation at a time when Ireland is focusing on its true tourism potential. Few counties in this island nation are not affected by proximity to the sea. Such proximity is good for agriculture or tourism and that is the Bill's greatest impact. Hopefully, the Bill's speedy passage through the House will ensure the livelihoods of those who depend on fishing and tourism are protected by allowing them to seek appropriate compensation. Can the Minister of State clarify whether the legislation will allow local authorities and State agencies which carry out tourism or aquacultural activity to make claims or will it relate to private companies and individuals only?

I welcome the Bill and thank the Minister of State for attending the House today.