Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I will first address the issue of weighing. A load on, load off container must be transported on a truck. Its weight may be calculated by means of simple mathematics. The truck, which is weighed on the way in and out, has a tare weight normally displayed on the fuel tank. From experience, we determined that the weight limit for every container should be 42 tonnes, which reduced the overall weight inside the container to 20 tonnes or lighter, depending upon what is being carried. The load may be heavy material, frozen fish or stone. That can happen. I do not anticipate any difficulties in this area.

As far as Sellafield is concerned, we all share the view that the only answer is to ensure that Sellafield is closed so we will not fear for the future. However, ships have rights of passage outside our territorial waters.

On the issues of jet skis and age, like the Leader, I am not a killjoy but want to be reasonable. Younger people may be more capable of operating jet skis. I want to examine the matter closely. It is not included in this Bill but section 47 will permit me to make provision for this issue in the future. It would take a lot of work to ensure that a process similar to car testing will apply for anybody who wants a jet ski. This Bill and the third group of amendments address conduct which endangers vessels, structures or individuals, regardless of age.

We will give powers to local authorities to introduce by-laws. While they do not have to do so at present, a suggestion was made that the introduction of by-laws be made compulsory. Who better to know than members of the local authorities? As I explained to both Houses, the function is reserved for the local authorities. Local authorities will have power, after consultation of at least one month and seven days, to introduce by-laws. I would not like to see a situation where each local authority has different types of by-laws because one might travel through counties Sligo, Donegal and Mayo. A consultation process has been carried out. A template will be developed to indicate the type of by-laws we want. It is a matter for the local authorities but we will assist them in that way.

Age is a matter to which we will give consideration. We were not able to do so with regard to this Bill because that may have consequences. However, section 47 gives me the power to address this issue. I have addressed, through that section, the issue of flotation devices and I will examine the issue of age.