David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will help the Minister. "Unnecessarily" can be defined as something that is not required by the process. Of course one may have to lower the water levels in the canals from time to time and of course there may be special events, but these things necessitate the closing of the canals to navigation. Therefore, it is very simple. May I just say that the two examples provided by the Minister are clearly covered by this amendment. I, therefore, do not understand the Minister's difficulty. There may be some other reason that the Minister has not put on the record, but I see no reason. The amendment states "unnecessarily". In other words, whether one can perform the function one wants to perform without closing the canal relates to the whole concept of it being necessary or unnecessary. If one requires to close the canal in order to perform certain actions, it is necessary. If it is not required, it is unnecessary. It is really quite simple.