Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I commend the Minister of State on his work on this necessary legislation. Reference has been made to jet skiing, clearly an issue of which people have experience. It has become popular during the past few years and is in need of regulation. Senator McHugh raised an important point in that putting the law in place is one thing while enforcing it is another. The framework devised by the Minister of State and his officials is certainly one which, if enforced, will be effective. The test will be in its enforcement and seeing how problems are solved and eradicated.

We cannot make progress without legislation on the Statute Book. I look forward to seeing this Bill's provisions being implemented and to the introduction of regulations which make maritime activities safer and allow everyone to enjoy our fabulous maritime amenities. There is no reason this should not happen if this legislation is enforced.