Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

As I explained on Committee Stage yesterday, the amendment is unnecessary because the term "seafishing boat" is separately defined in section 6 and is frequently used in the text. Having double-checked I am assured there is no question that references to "equipment" or "fishing gear" could be held to include a "seafishing boat". The Senator will be aware that the powers available to confiscate fishing vessels will be removed when this legislation is enacted. For these reasons, the amendment is not necessary.