Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister back to the House. I am sure the discussion today will be by some way the shortest stage the Bill has enjoyed in the House so far.

I will limit my comments to amendments Nos. 1 and 2. One improvement the House made in the original legislation was acceding to the request that any changes in the boundaries of the harbour or any changes that might take place as a result of this legislation be congruent and consistent with the planning laws and background of the area within which the harbour is located. The Chamber added great value to the Bill by focussing on this area. The amendments under discussion ensure that the legislation to which the Bill will refer will extend to the present moment, in contrast to the previous draft in which the references extended to 2006. All the amendments I have considered appear to be technical and hopefully will make the operation of the Bill more effective.