Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will not speak at length because Senator Grace O'Sullivan spoke very eloquently about what it means for the marine and Senator Nash gave the legal context. I add my concern to their voices.I am concerned in particular over the fact that the legislation seems to be extremely pre-emptive. It is coming at a time when we hear there are ongoing court cases, which is unusual. It is coming at a time when this Chamber is to begin its debates and discussions on Brexit. We know the negotiations on Brexit will be very intensive over the coming period. My key concern is that we do not have any indication as to how we can be assured in terms of legislation and where accountability will be if there are multinational corporations, which are the main concern, registered in the United Kingdom and operating out of Northern Ireland. How can we be assured? Where will prosecution take place when we are no longer protected by common EU policies on prosecution, for example, including in cases where ships are extracting within the waters around Galway, Clare and Waterford? What will be our mechanisms for ensuring accountability and culpability? How have they been thought through? Have they been thought through and are they adequate and workable in practice?

I have a concern regarding coastal communities and maintaining a relationship between them and the foreshore. I also have a serious environmental concern. In Ireland we are currently hearing about positive practices, such as notching in respect of lobster fishing. I have a concern and question in this regard. With regard to the gathering of seaweed, including kelp, and the foreshore-----