Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senators who participated in the debate on Second Stage and today. It is a measure of the quality of the debate that a number of amendments were introduced in the Dáil and that there were no amendments in the Seanad. This is indicative of how meticulously both sides of the House scrutinised this Bill. It is also to the credit of Opposition Members that they did not table amendments for the sake of it.

The Bill's purpose was to give effect to the international convention on liability and compensation for damage in connection with the carriage of hazardous and noxious substances by sea. We wish to give effect to the 1996 protocol to the international convention. The legislation has been before the House for some time; one might say for too long. It was published just over five years ago and the Second Stage debate in the Dáil took place over four years ago. The Bill was restored to the Dáil Order Paper after the election in 2002. Since then, it has passed through its various Stages and I am pleased we have now arrived at this point. Hopefully, the Bill will be enacted shortly when the President signs it.

I come from a maritime county — although no county is too far from the sea — and we are conscious of the effects of any pollution, in this case sea pollution, from hazardous or noxious substances. It is important to be prepared at all times. The way to ensure that it does not happen is to maintain the highest standards in our vessels. We are working with our colleagues in the IMO and in Europe in respect of the single-hull tankers. This matter is being dealt with.

The transport of nuclear materials by sea is of continuing concern to the Department, both Houses and the Government. Our policy is to oppose such facilities. As far the Sellafield facility is concerned, we have been co-operating with other governments and agencies regarding the proceedings taken in recent years in respect of the MOX facility. We are an island nation. Any pollution at sea could have devastating effects too horrendous to contemplate. Hence, it is important that we have the necessary legislation in place and that compensation will be available in the event of any serious pollution.

I thank the House for its co-operation this morning. I also thank Senator Kenneally and Senator McHugh who contributed to this debate. I appreciate their kind words with regard to both myself and, more importantly, to the Government and the officials who have worked with me on this legislation, particularly since my appointment as Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in October 2004.

I am aware of the seriousness of the situation regarding bonamia. My Department works with officials, the industry and stakeholders to ensure any risks to our marine life are minimised, be it fin fish, shellfish or farm fish. I thank Senator McHugh for raising the issue.