Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)

I, too, welcome the passing of the Bill. I offer a guarded welcome also to the work of the commission. Its work was difficult because the advisory forum set up on both sides of the Border did not really have the right mechanisms in place due to the fact the Assembly was not up and running. Now we expect the Assembly to be up and running, it is important we have a proper working advisory forum that works in tandem with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, DARD, and the harbour boards on both sides of the Border.

The Bill provides us with the opportunity to develop an effective loughs agency. However, it is important to involve and bring all the stakeholders on board on the issue. There is a feeling of disenfranchisment among stakeholders and it is important to get their agreement and that of all the relevant groups on this. I hope that will be achieved through this Bill. No doubt, our Department officials will ensure this happens. The only way proper licensing will happen is through the commission, but it must work under the authority of a proper working advisory forum.